Armstrong draws on Inter experience

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Stuart Armstrong believes his experiences against Inter Milan will help him cope with the challenge of getting Celtic into the Champions League group stages.

Armstrong scored on his Celtic Park debut as Ronny Deila's side drew 3-3 against the Italian giants before going down to a 1-0 defeat in the San Siro in February.

The former Dundee United midfielder, who turned 23 in March, was determined to make sure he was not overwhelmed by the occasion and he will be equally focused on the match action when Celtic begin their qualifying campaign against Icelandic champions Stjarnan next month.

Speaking of his home debut, Armstrong said: "I really enjoyed that game. I'd played in a couple of big games before, maybe not as big as that one, but perhaps I focused too much on the occasion rather than the football game itself.

"So that day my main focus was about enjoying the game and making the most of the occasion, and I really enjoyed it.''

Celtic will need to overcome three opponents to make the group phase and are looking to improve on last year when both Legia Warsaw and Maribor beat them.

Armstrong said: "They are very important games, there's no doubt about that. It's more excitement rather than pressure for us.

"You grow up watching Champions League games and those are the games you want to play in. We had a little taster of European football last season and personally I want to taste more.

"I think playing at that level will improve any player. It's a great opportunity to experience different countries, stadiums and atmospheres.

"That's the ultimate goal but it's a tough ask for any club to reach that stage.''

Given some Celtic players will only have a three-week summer holiday, Armstrong is convinced they will be ready for the Icelandic team, with St Mirren Park friendlies against Den Bosch, Dukla Prague and Real Sociedad to come before the game in mid-July.

"It's the quickest competitive game I've had coming back to pre-season but again there's not that element of pressure. It's more excitement and looking forward to getting back into the thick of things,'' he said.

"With football you take a week or two to get back into your fitness. You don't get a very long break at all, especially with the boys playing international football. So I think we'll find our feet very quickly.''

Armstrong did just that when he arrived at Parkhead in early February and he is now helping Dedryck Boyata settle into the club following the defender's arrival from Manchester City.

"I'm giving him a lift in and out and he's still not produced any money for it yet, but I'm sure he will,'' said Armstrong, who was promoting Celtic's Four in a Roar DVD of last season's title triumph.

"But he is really nice guy, very chatty.

"It's good to get that period out of the way where you meet the boys, the fans and see the stadiums. Now you can just focus on football and not have to worry about being the new guy.''