Former Celtic star Stuart Armstrong has been reflecting on his career journey after winning his 50th cap with Scotland during the international break.
The midfielder hit the milestone cap mark against Northern Ireland, confirming his place in the Scotland International Roll of Honour.
Armstrong broke through into the national team as a Celtic hero back in 2017, having really made a name for himself as one of the top stars in the country with excellent form at the Bhoys.
His performances during the 2016/17 Invincibles season are still fondly remembered by supporters. He netted 17 goals and created seven assists in one of Celtic’s best-ever domestic campaigns.
Now 32 and playing for Southampton in the English Championship, Armstrong credits his Celtic spell as pivotal in his development.
Stuart Armstrong on fulfilling his ‘dream’ via Celtic
He said [Sunday Post, 31/03 print edition]: “As much as it is a dream to play for Scotland, it is not something you think about when you are younger. I have been to Hampden to watch games and obviously international football is the pinnacle, but it is not something at the forefront of your mind.
“What you are thinking about is breaking into first team football and then off the back of that if you do well then, your hope and dream is to then reach the next stage which is playing for Scotland.
“As a young boy I dreamed of playing in the Scottish Premier League, I did that, and the bonus was playing for Celtic and learning how to win and being part of a huge, huge club with whom I had some amazing experiences.
“After that it was about playing in the top level in England and in international football. All of which I am lucky enough to have achieved. One cap for Scotland would have been a dream come true, which it was, and to get 50 is a bit surreal to be honest.”
Armstrong now has his sights firmly set on making the Scotland squad for Euro 2024, a cause aided by his continuing importance at Southampton.
Saints are pushing for promotion back to the Premier League and even if they miss out on an automatic berth, they look destined to take part in the play-offs.
Armstrong has actually made more appearances for Southampton than any other club in his career and has been a stalwart again this term, featuring in all 37 of their league matches to date.
He’s even shown touches of his past Celtic form, netting five goals and creating six assists in all competitions.
Congratulations go to him on his 50th cap. Many Celtic fans will be wishing the best to him during a big 2024.
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