CRAIG GORDON knows exactly what Stuart Armstrong has been going through over the last couple of months.
Even a level head gets turned at the slightest interest from an English club. The Premier League might not be quite the greatest show on earth which it believes itself to be, but it’s not a bad place to play your football and the money is half decent.
In January, Gordon was wanted by Chelsea, a club that pays a touch above the living wage. The goalkeeper was tempted, who could blame him, but stayed at Celtic and has no regrets about his decision.
Armstrong had a number of clubs sniffing around him and with a new contract offer left unsigned, and Brendan Rodgers growing impatient, this time last week it seemed as if the midfielder was for the off.
However, England can wait. Armstrong is staying having agreed the deal and his team-mate believes the right conclusion has been reached.
“I have spoken to Stuart a few times,” said Gordon. “It’s great news he is staying. He brings something a little bit different to the team, has great energy and can get around the park. And he is a great goal threat with both feet as well.
“We need him ready to play. Hopefully that will settle things down and he can concentrate and get himself back in the team and show us all what he is capable of. He is a massive part of the team.
“There were some bids there (for Gordon) last season and there was a possibility (of going). Even after that it took a few months to clear the contract situation up. That is just what happens.
“That is all I was trying to tell Stuart, it took me a wee while as well, and for him not to get too upset about it. I just relayed what had happened in my situation, it was quite similar to his. It was going on for a few months. But they do tend to get sorted eventually and hopefully now that’s the case with him as well.”
Armstrong is brighter than most but even he seemed to be affected by all the talk, something Gordon noticed.
“I think he was looking to get it sorted. And these things can sometimes drag on. I know that myself at times that this kind of thing can happen. But it is great he has finally decided to stay here. It is a great place to play.
“When he is in the team and playing well it is a massive boost for the rest of us. We know what a great goal threat he is.”
Celtic have Champions League football again which Gordon would have had at Chelsea, although chances are as a spectator on the bench, and while Armstrong is a talent, he would have moved to a mid-table Premier League club.
Yes, he would have earned more money and played at some wonderful stadiums. But it’s not Celtic, as Gordon realises back in January.
“This is a great place to learn,” said the Celtic keeper. “Hopefully he gets another chance to play Champions League if we can go over there and win the second leg and get through. He has shown it on every stage so far, whenever he has stepped up.
“Stuart came from Dundee United to play here and it took him a bit of time to settle in. Once he did he was one of our best players last season. And then he stepped it up to the international level, and he has played Champions League.
“Another few years here doing that – I would think he is already a big target for anyone, whether he signs a new contract or not. If someone comes in with big money, then money talks.
“But it is good for him to get settled and concentrate on football. If he keeps progressing as he is, then I am sure there will still be plenty of teams looking at him.
“Celtic Park is a fantastic place to play football, in front of these fans and the atmosphere they create. It was some atmosphere on Tuesday, I really enjoyed it, especially when the goals are flying in like that. It really is something special.”
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