Celtic: Stuart Armstrong signs new two-year deal

Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong has ended speculation over his future by signing a two-year deal.

Talks between the club and the 25-year-old midfielder's representatives had stalled in recent months.

Armstrong, whose extension will tie him to the club until 2019, said: "I am delighted to sign this new contract.

"I've had a tremendous time at the club so far and it's been a period in my footballing career I've enjoyed immensely."

'Honour to play for club'

Armstrong has made 112 appearances for Celtic, scoring 25 goals, 17 of which came in last season's campaign. The former Dundee United midfielder had been linked with a move to England's Premier League.

"It has been an honour to play for a club of such stature," he added. "I have enjoyed a great relationship with our supporters and we have achieved a high level of success, something it has been great to be part of.

"I'm pleased this new contract has been agreed and I'm looking forward very much to working with the manager, our staff and my team-mates to bring the club and our fans even more success."

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Manager Brendan Rodgers said he was "absolutely delighted" Armstrong had extended his stay in Glasgow.

"I'm delighted for Stuart and all the other players here because he's made great strides in this last season and he's a player I really, really enjoy working with," said Rodgers. "So to have him here for two years is great for us and it gives him a little bit of peace of mind and now he can really focus on his football.

"I said before, it's never easy, not just for Stuart but for any player. The majority of players will work better with that bit of stability, they understand where they're secure. A key factor with any player, not just Stuart, is that if you're unsure where your future might lie it can bring in different emotions.

"He always wanted to sign, I felt it was just a case of getting it over the line and done, so well done to him, his agents and the club for getting it organised and sorted so now he can really push on and hopefully have another good year.

"Stuart is very devoted to his life as a footballer, he's very professional, he comes in every day and is hungry to learn, to be better, to improve, and as long as you have that you have a chance to succeed. He's blessed with physical qualities - he has good power and good speed, and he has this wonderful instinct to score goals which is very much natural, it's what he does."