JOHN KENNEDY, the Celtic first-team coach, expects Stuart Armstrong will place “happiness and winning things” above financial gains by committing his long-term future to the club.
The forward has been an integral figure in Celtic’s treble-winning season but has now entered the final year of his contract. Talks are securing an extension are now underway and Kennedy believes Armstrong will turn his back on a move to England to stay with Celtic.
“Stuart loves his time here and is thoroughly enjoying being where he is at the moment,” said the former Celtic defender. “From speaking to him he wants to be here. It’s just a case of getting things ironed out contractually.
Read more: Scott Sinclair - Celtic can do the treble again in 12 months' time
“Stuart is playing the best football of his life, he’s broken into the international scene, and he’s just won three trophies, so I think he sees being here is a good thing for him. You know you go somewhere else and it might not work out so well. He’s a clever boy and he’s been making all the right noises in terms of where he wants to play his football. So let’s hope we get that sorted sooner rather than later.
“Obviously financially there are big incentives moving to England but the most important thing in football, and outwith that, happiness. All of our players are in a terrific place. They all really enjoy coming into work every day, going in playing in front of 60,000 fans who are the best in the world and you go and win trophies.
“When you’re in your football career the three things you want are happiness, being in a good place and winning things, and our players are enjoying that at the moment. It’s important we keep this group together, we keep moving forward. The morale and happiness within the group has been great all season.”
Read more: Scott Sinclair - Celtic can do the treble again in 12 months' time
Kennedy believes Armstrong could also become Celtic captain one day. “Yes, potentially. The manager has given him the opportunity to do that at times this season. He’s that type. When he steps on the training pitch he a bit like Scott Brown - a different type in terms of how he applies himself - but he’s a super professional, very intelligent and the more time he spends here he gets a greater understanding of what this club is about.
“When you become captain of this club it’s important you understand that, the expectation of the fans, the history of the club and the actual feeling you get here. It’s very special. He is now getting to that point. He’s had a few seasons and let’s hope he can have a few more and you never know what will happen in the future with him.
“He’s an important player for us. The manager has spoken to him - everyone has – and he’s made a big impact this season in terms of what he’s done on the pitch. But off the pitch he is a terrific character and the type of personality you want to have at your club.
“We want to make sure contractually we’ve got him tied down and he can concentrate on his football again rather than worrying about what’s going on off the pitch.”
- John Kennedy was promoting the new 100-page souvenir edition Celtic View, out tomorrow.
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