Stuart Armstrong: Celtic, Champions League and exam results

The Celtic midfielder is currently fighting a battle on three fronts, all of which come together in just a few days’ time. Firstly, the former Dundee United midfielder is doing all he can to impress new Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers who is casting a keen eye over all of the Parkhead squad during their two-week stint in Maribor.

While the ex-Liverpool manager’s tenure in Glasgow is still at the fledgling stages, those within his collective are well aware the importance of making a good impression as their new gaffer crafts not just a team but a squad to his liking.

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On top of that, Armstrong is conscious of the big picture at Celtic right now – the Champions League. While of course his own success and place at Celtic is high up on his priorities, so to is making sure the Ladbrokes Premiership winners are where they believe they should be and mixing it with Europe’s elite.

If that dream is to become a reality, Celtic must perform as Rodgers knows they can next week when they enter the second qualifying round against either Flora or Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday.

And to top things off, just three days later Armstrong will receive his exam results ahead of hopefully going into his final year studying for a law degree.

Read more: Early start won't lead to early exit for Celtic in Champions League

“I had an exam in the summer and I get the results on July 15,” said Armstrong, speaking from Celtic’s luxury hotel in Maribor. “It’s in the middle of the Champions League qualifiers.

“I should have done a bit more studying but I was on holiday and crammed in a bit.

“I’m now going into my final year but I don’t think I will get a chance to do practical stuff. It’s a busy schedule here.

“I’ll do next year, finish in June and then keep it in the back pocket.”

Not that he’ll be needing it any time soon. Under Rodgers, Armstrong may have had as much game time as everyone else – a half in each game – as the new manager assesses what he has at his disposal, but Armstrong is in a core group who have consistently performed well both against Celje and Sturm Graz.

Operating on the left flank, the midfielder has demonstrated a willingness and adaptability to his play that can only benefit him. In the wake of Ronny Deila’s departure, the number of players who can fit into the central attacking role for the Parkhead club is well into double figures. With this in mind, Armstrong is content to show his flexibility.

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“We’ve not had a full-blown conversation yet but he’s spoken to me about a few things and given advice,” said Armstrong. “He tells me how he wants to play and that’s been useful.

“My versatility has maybe been a hindrance in the past when I have been asked to play somewhere else. Sometimes it can be a bit frustrating but if the manager thinks I can do a job on the left, I will do that.

“But it is also a good thing to have when the manager sees you can play in different positions – left, right or in the middle. It’s for the team ultimately and I’ll do whatever I can to help. I see my best position as attacking midfield with a bit of freedom.

“It’s been tough at times with so many players in that area. You knew last season that if you put in a bad performance, you’d be out the team.

“It’s difficult but that’s what happens at a big club and you need manage that.

“There are a lot of circumstances to take into consideration but competition is healthy.”

Armstrong racked up 39 appearances in his first full season in green and white, eight as a substitute and 23 times being taken off.

The stats don’t do the Scot justice, though. After a gruelling season Armstrong finished the campaign strongly – including grabbing a finely-taken goal on the last day of the season against Motherwell – and that is the firm foundation that he wishes to build this season upon.

“I have certainly learned a lot from last season and I will hopefully build on that next season,” he said. “The season was very up and down. I had a very good start, then had a bad injury with my back.

“That was frustrating and I never really got my consistency back after that. I was in and out of the team but it was nice to finish with a goal against Motherwell.

“It was a nice way to end the season playing the way I know I can. That’s the way I want to go into this season. I think you do learn more when things aren’t going so well for you.

“It’s nice to win but when you aren’t playing or are sitting on the bench, you have to re-evaluate what you have to do to get back in.

“You have to find new ways to react and develop.”