Rodgers confident of tying down 25-year-old Celtic ace with long-term deal
By Matt Bullin
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is optimistic of tying Stuart Armstrong’s future to the club with a long-term deal, according to a report.
The Mail Online claims the 25-year-old midfielder is yet to sign an extension on his current contract, which ends in the summer of 2018.
It is said talks were suspended before the Scottish Cup Final, and an agreement is yet to be reached between Armstrong’s representatives and the Hoops.
The report states there is interest in the Scottish international from the Premier League, but Rodgers is confident he will put pen-to-paper on a new deal at Parkhead.
Rodgers told the Mail: “We put the contract talks on hold. He’s had the Scotland game and a holiday, so I’m sure they will resume over the course of the season.
“It’s just negotiation. Stuart’s at that point in his career. He had a brilliant season, he came on great strides last season.
“Contracts are always about length of time, or finances, but I am pretty confident the club and the agent will come to an agreement.”
It is said among the clubs interested in the 25-year-old are Burnley, Everton and Brighton, but Rodgers says none of them have made an official approach for the player yet.
Armstrong was one of Celtic’s top performers last term, scoring 17 goals in 47 league and cup games, as well as providing seven assists.
He arrived in Glasgow from Dundee United in February 2015, and he has since made 103 appearances across all competitions, which have yielded 23 goals and 19 assists.
Football Insider verdict
Rodgers and Celtic fans alike will hope Armstrong signs an extension tying his future to the Glasgow giants soon as he has become a key player for the club. He is able to play in central midfield or on the left-flank, and last season he was one of their key men. The 25-year-old’s efforts helped the Hoops to a fine domestic treble, and while his assist tally is average, his goals were all-important. His flair is the perfect foil to Scott Brown’s work rate in the middle of the park, while he has even more license to get forward when played on the left. His performances for the Bhoys have also seen him rewarded with two Scotland caps.
In other Celtic news, Jonny Hayes has revealed who inspired him to join the Hoops.
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