Stuart Armstrong ready for next Celtic clash

STUART Armstrong admits his excellent goal at Parkhead was the highlight of a fantastic February – but he is gunning for revenge the next time Dundee United face rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

The midfielder was named SPL Young Player of the Month for February as he blossoms under new manager Jackie McNamara, whose side are gearing up to face Celtic in next month’s cup semi-final tie at Hampden.

Armstrong notched the opening goal for United when they took the lead against Celtic last month, only to end up on the receiving end of a 6-2 hammering. The 20-year-old enjoyed his special strike that day in Glasgow, but is now focusing on their last-four rematch with Neil Lennon’s side in their quest to reach May’s final. Armstrong said: “The highlight of the month was scoring at Parkhead. It will be a fond memory in the future, but I was only able to enjoy it for about ten minutes because of the way the game went.

“I scored, but we got thrashed, so that takes the shine off it. We learned from that game and I think we’ll be different when the semi-final comes around.

“It’s nice to score against the champions but I don’t want to live in the past. I want another one the next time we play them. But first of all I’d like one against St Mirren in the league this weekend.”

Armstrong is enjoying himself after being handed a more central role by McNamara and is vowing to seize the opportunity as he aims to fulfil his undoubted potential. He said: “I am very happy to win the award. I’ve been playing well recently but the challenge now is to keep it going in the rest of the games. I have got a chance to play in my favoured position, which is in the middle, so I am enjoying that.

“I love playing in the centre so it’s great to get that opportunity.”