John Kennedy hopeful Stuart Armstrong will commit to Celtic
Celtic coach John Kennedy is hopeful Stuart Armstrong will sign a new contract "pretty soon".
The midfielder is entering the final year of his deal and the likes of Brighton, West Brom, Burnley and Everton have been credited with an interest.
But Kennedy expects the 25-year-old to sign an extended deal and remove any doubt about his future now the season is finished.
"Talks have been going pretty well with Stuart and his representatives and the club," Kennedy said. "Stuart has loved it here and I think he is in a very good place.
"As much as adding to the squad, the important thing is getting players like Stuart tied down. That is probably more important for us.
"But as far as I'm aware, Stuart is in a very good place and wants to get it done. Hopefully things will be done pretty soon."
Armstrong scored his 17th goal of the season during Saturday's William Hill Scottish Cup final, a figure all the more impressive for the fact he was not a regular starter until late October.
The former Dundee United player also set up the winner on his Scotland debut against Slovenia in March and looks certain to start against England on June 10.
And Kennedy feels the central midfielder will continue to develop under manager Brendan Rodgers.
"From his perspective, he is working with a terrific manager now, he is at a great club, and he is in the best form he has ever been in in his life," Kennedy said. "And he is only going to get better.
"So for him it's stability, and this is a very good place for him to go and perform.
"Contract-wise he will hopefully get things sorted out and then he can just put that to bed and concentrate on his football again, because he has been a massive player for us this season."