There’s not many men who can give a personal insight into Mohamed Elyounoussi and Fraser Forster, as well as knowing the ins and outs of playing for Celtic. Stuart Armstrong is one such guy.
The former Hoops midfielder knows the Southampton pair from his time at St. Mary’s and admits he’s “pleased” with how they’re both getting on north of the border.
Both Elyounoussi and Forster can be considered great loan signings by Neil Lennon. And Premier League star Armstrong says their arrival in Glasgow has even led him to taking an added interest in his old club’s results.
“After every game, out of interest, I’m checking my phone and looking out for the results,” he told the Daily Echo.
“I always like to check Celtic’s results to see how the boys are getting on and I think Moi has been really well received up there. He was in great form, but he’s got a little bit of an injury now which will be a blow to them.
“I’m pleased that he’s doing well because it’s a great club and I think he is showing his quality up there.
“The same can be said for Fraser. He has put in some unbelievable performances in the league and then he had that one in the final.”
Elyounoussi and Forster claim is “unfair” says Armstrong
The Scotland midfielder is a big advocate of the game up here and also fought back any claims that both Elyounoussi and Forster are only excelling because the standard is of a much lesser quality.
Both loan stars were frozen out at the Saints by boss Ralph Hasenhuttl before becoming mainstays for Celtic. But Armstrong cited their exploits in the Europa League as evidence that they can cut it at the very top level.
He said: “I think the two of them played against Lazio away and won 2-1, so would people necessarily think the same about Serie A and the Premier League? Maybe not.
“I think people make that comparison a lot about England and Scotland which I think is unfair because you’ve got the big two, Celtic and Rangers, playing in European competitions.”
Celtic fans will just be hoping they get to see both players for a little bit longer than just one season. There’s no doubting that both have made a massive contribution so far this season, and will continue to before the end of their spells.
But with so much more to come next term, wouldn’t it be great if we could tie one, or both, down permanently.
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