BRENDAN Rodgers has made securing the services of Stuart Armstrong on a long-term contract his top priority after leading Celtic to only the fourth treble in their history and an unprecedented 47-game undefeated domestic season.
Rodgers, whose side beat Aberdeen in the William Hill Scottish Cup final at Hampden on Saturday thanks to an injury-time Tom Rogic goal to complete their annus mirabilis, is optimistic the player will commit his future to the Parkhead club.
The Northern Irishman revealed he had deliberately put discussions with Armstrong, whose current deal is up at the end of next season, on hold until after the campaign was over, but is now ready to open talks.
The news is sure to delight Celtic fans further as the Scotland inter- national, who was once again outstanding at the weekend and netted a first-half equaliser, has become a key member of the first team during the past 10 months.
Rodgers said: “I’m sure it will get tied up. We put it off about 10 days ago because I didn’t want it to affect preparation for this game. But hopefully that can be done afterwards.
Stuart, in the second half, really showed his power, speed and quality and running ability.”
The 25-year-old has been linked with moves to the Premier League in England as a result of his form with Celtic, with Brighton, Burnley and Everton all reported to be monitoring his progress.
Rodgers admitted the Scottish champions would be unable to offer Armstrong and his team-mates the money he might command in England or Europe, but would do all they can to retain them. The manager said: “I’m realistic. Football is about two things for players – game time and money. What we can do is create an environment that is fantastic for them to be in. If they decide to move, it’s OK. We’ll fight to keep them, but if they don’t want to stay, we’ll find someone else. No problem, someone else will come in and play and hopefully do well for us.”
Rodgers is keen for Celtic to make a greater impact in the Champions League next season will attempt to strengthen his squad with two or three quality signings over the summer. However, the 44-year-old admitted it will be difficult for the Glasgow club to progress to the knockout rounds of Europe’s premier club compet-ition or the Europa League due to the spending power of their rival clubs on the continent.
“We want to quality first and foremost,” Rodgers said. “That will always be a challenge. Then we have to try and see what we can do. You have to be careful and recognise where we are.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here