Stuart Armstrong
{{short description|Scottish footballer (born 1992)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
|name = Stuart Armstrong
|image = Stuart Armstrong 2019.jpg
|image_size =
|caption = Armstrong with Scotland in 2019
|fullname = Stuart Armstrong{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3044867 |title=Updated squad lists for 2022/23 Premier League |publisher=Premier League |date=4 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|3|30|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/12186/Stuart-Armstrong/overview |title=Stuart Armstrong: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=13 October 2019}}
|birth_place = Inverness, Scotland
|height = {{convert|1.83|m|order=flip}}
|position = Midfielder
|currentclub = Sheffield Wednesday
|clubnumber = 40
|youthyears1 = 2003–2008
|youthclubs1 = Dyce Boys Club
|youthyears2 = 2008–2009
|youthclubs2 = Inverness Caledonian Thistle
|youthyears3 = 2009–2010
|youthclubs3 = Dundee United
|years1 = 2010–2015
|clubs1 = Dundee United
|caps1 = 126
|goals1 = 18
|years2 = 2015–2018
|clubs2 = Celtic
|caps2 = 98
|goals2 = 23
|years3 = 2018–2024
|clubs3 = Southampton
|caps3 = 191
|goals3 = 21
|years4 = 2024
|clubs4 = Vancouver Whitecaps
|caps4 = 6
|goals4 = 1
|years5 = 2025–
|clubs5 = Sheffield Wednesday
|caps5 = 9
|goals5 = 0
|nationalyears1 = 2010–2011
|nationalteam1 = Scotland U19
|nationalcaps1 = 7
|nationalgoals1 = 2
|nationalyears2 = 2010–2014
|nationalteam2 = Scotland U21
|nationalcaps2 = 20
|nationalgoals2 = 4
|nationalyears3 = 2017–
|nationalteam3 = Scotland
|nationalcaps3 = 51
|nationalgoals3 = 5
|club-update = 18:16, 18 April 2025 (UTC)
|ntupdate = 12:12, 26 June 2024 (UTC)
}}
Stuart Armstrong (born 30 March 1992) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for {{English football updater|SheffieW}} club Sheffield Wednesday and the Scotland national team.
Armstrong began his professional career with Dundee United, making his debut in 2010 and went on to make almost 150 appearances. Armstrong moved to Celtic in February 2015, and helped them win four Scottish league championships and consecutive domestic trebles. He then moved to Premier League club Southampton in June 2018.
Armstrong represented Scotland at under-19 and under-21 level, then made his full international debut in 2017, representing the side at UEFA Euro 2020. He was voted as the SFWA Young Player of the Year in 2013 and has been named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for the Scottish Premiership three times. He was also nominated twice for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.
Early life
Born in Inverness, Armstrong attended Hazlehead Academy in Aberdeen,{{cite news |url = https://www.tes.com/magazine/archived/scotland-players-old-schools-send-good-luck-messages|last1=Hepburn |first1=Henry |title=Scotland players' old schools send good luck messages |access-date=27 December 2021 |work=TES |date=11 June 2021}} alongside fellow footballer Fraser Fyvie. Armstrong grew up idolizing Gianfranco Zola.{{cite news |title=Arabs youngster Stuart Armstrong in no rush to seek dream move to English top-flight |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arabs-youngster-stuart-armstrong-no-2290936 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=22 September 2013 |access-date=3 April 2014}}
Club career
=Early career=
Armstrong played for Dyce Boys Club and the Inverness Caledonian Thistle youth team, before signing professionally with Dundee United in July 2009.{{cite news |title=Stuart Armstrong Dundee United Profile |url=http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?tm=124&ID=361 |publisher=Dundee United Official Website |access-date=22 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705042324/http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?tm=124&ID=361 |archive-date=5 July 2013}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45508561 |title=Stuart Armstrong: Southampton to Celtic cash share leaves boys club in 'shock' |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2018 |access-date=13 September 2018}}
=Dundee United=
==2010–11==
Armstrong made his first team debut for Dundee United in November 2010, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Hamilton Academical.{{cite web |url=http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?tm=46&ID=361 |title=Welcome to Tannadice – Dundee United Football Club|access-date=26 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928170127/http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?tm=46&ID=361|archive-date=28 September 2012|url-status=dead}} Towards the end of the season, manager Peter Houston praised Armstrong on his substitute role.{{cite news |title=Peter Houston happy at impact of Dundee United subs |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee_utd/9411250.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=22 May 2013}}
==2011–12==
Armstrong then scored his first goal for United in a 2–2 draw against St Mirren in December 2011.{{cite web |title=St Mirren 2–2 Dundee United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16281327 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2012 |date=28 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127055627/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16281327|archive-date=27 January 2016|url-status=dead}} After the match, Armstrong said that "I got a deflected goal in Inverness last month but my first proper strike came against St Mirren in the 2–2 draw last week and that has filled me with confidence".{{cite news |title=Dundee United starlet Stuart Armstrong: I want last laugh on school pal Fraser Fyvie |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united-starlet-stuart-armstrong-1112644 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=2 January 2012 |access-date=22 May 2013}}
==2012–13==
File:Stuart Armstrong.jpg in 2012]]
After making six appearances this season, Armstrong agreed a three-year contract with Dundee United in September 2012.{{cite web |title=Dundee United extend contracts for Armstrong and Watson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19704009 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=24 September 2012 |date=24 September 2012}} Armstrong then signed another new contract with United in October 2012.{{cite news |title=Dundee United boss Peter Houston tips Stuart Armstrong to be next big thing |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-united-boss-peter-houston-1395806 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=24 October 2012 |access-date=22 May 2013}} Armstrong scored his first goal of the season on 24 November, in a 2–1 win over Ross County.{{cite news |title=Dundee United goal hero Stuart Armstrong apologises to Jon Daly for nicking winner |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-united-goal-hero-stuart-1455985 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=25 November 2012 |access-date=22 May 2013}}{{cite web |title=Peter Houston salutes Dundee United's spirit after 2–1 win over Ross County |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8278887/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=25 November 2012 |access-date=22 May 2013}} Having made six appearances in February, Armstrong was awarded Clydesdale Bank Premier League Young Player of the Month.{{cite news |title=Stuart Armstrong and Derek Adams collect February SPL awards |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stuart-armstrong-derek-adams-win-1748447 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=7 March 2013 |access-date=22 May 2013}} Armstrong was nominated for SPFA young player of the year,{{cite news |title=Griffiths, Higdon, Shinnie & McGinn on SPFA shortlist |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22276619 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 April 2013 |access-date=22 May 2013}} but it was awarded to Hibernian's Leigh Griffiths instead.{{cite news |title=Motherwell striker Michael Higdon lands PFA Scotland Player of the Year award |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/motherwell-striker-michael-higdon-lands-1872020 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=6 May 2013 |access-date=22 May 2013}} He did, however, go on to win the SFWA Young Player of the Year award.{{cite news |title=Young Player of the Year Stuart Armstrong looks push on at Tannadice |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scottish-football-writers-association-young-1896206 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=18 May 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013}}
==2013–14==
Armstrong and Dundee United began negotiations over a new contract,{{cite news |title=Dundee United aim to tie up key trio on extended contracts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25267287 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 December 2013 |access-date=3 April 2014}} and on 12 December, he signed a one-year contract extension.{{cite news |title=Scottish football: Stuart Armstrong signs one-year contract extension with Dundee United |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11794/9069852/scottish-football-stuart-armstrong-signs-one-year-contract-extension-with-dundee-united |publisher=Sky Sports |date=12 December 2013 |access-date=3 April 2014}} Armstrong expressed an ambition to play in England in the future, but said he was happy to wait until he had established himself in the United first team. In the January 2014 transfer window, Celtic were interested in some of Dundee United's other youngsters.{{cite news |title=Celtic boss Neil Lennon eyes up move for Dundee United superkids as he looks to the future |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-ready-2976425 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=1 January 2014 |access-date=3 April 2014}} This was later dismissed as "speculation" by Celtic manager Neil Lennon.{{cite web |title=Georgios Samaras: Neil Lennon not giving up on Celtic striker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25568284 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2014 |access-date=3 April 2014}} In April 2014, he was nominated for the 2013–14 PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27052382 |title=Three Celtic players make PFA player of year shortlist |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=17 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}} He was also selected to the 2013–14 Premiership PFA Scotland Team of the Year.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27080030 |title=Celtic and Dundee United trios in SPFL Premiership team of year |date=18 April 2014 |access-date=18 April 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}
==2014–15==
His last match for Dundee United came in a New Firm derby defeat of Aberdeen in a 2014–15 Scottish League Cup semi-final on 31 January 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/celtic-sign-stuart-armstrong-gary-mackay-steven-1-3677908 |title=Celtic sign Stuart Armstrong & Gary Mackay-Steven |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=3 February 2015 |access-date=5 May 2015}} Armstrong made 150 appearances, starting 109 matches, and scored 22 goals in all competitions for Dundee United before joining Celtic.[http://www.arabarchive.co.uk/player.php?id=422 Stuart Armstrong profile] Arab Arachive. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
=Celtic=
==2014–15==
In January 2015, Dundee United turned down two transfer offers from Celtic for Armstrong,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31044217 |title=Stuart Armstrong: Dundee United reject Celtic and Burnley bids |date=29 January 2015 |access-date=2 February 2015 |author=Jim Spence |publisher=BBC Sport}} however the transfer was completed on 2 February 2015, alongside fellow Dundee United player Gary Mackay-Steven.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31088504 |title=Stuart Armstrong & Gary Mackay-Steven join Celtic |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=3 February 2015 |first=Jim |last=Spence |publisher=BBC Sport}} Armstrong denied requesting the transfer.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31118674 |title=Celtic: Stuart Armstrong denies Dundee United exit request |date=3 February 2015 |access-date=3 February 2015 |first=Alasdair |last=Lamont |publisher=BBC Sport}} Both players would be ineligible for the remaining Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup ties as Celtic chased a domestic treble. Armstrong and Mackay-Steven were later given the nickname Zig and Zag by the staff at Celtic.{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/stuart-armstrong-settles-in-with-celtic-nickname-1-3690250 |title=Stuart Armstrong settles in with Celtic nickname |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=14 February 2015 |access-date=5 May 2015}}
File:20170701 SK Rapid Wien vs Celtic FC 1329.jpg in 2017]]
Armstrong scored on his Celtic debut in a 3–0 league victory at Partick Thistle on 11 February 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/partick-thistle-0-celtic-3-5149660 |title=Partick Thistle 0 Celtic 3 |newspaper=Daily Record |date=12 February 2015 |access-date=3 May 2015}} He gave Celtic a 2–0 lead after fellow debutant Gary Mackay-Steven opened the scoring. Armstrong made his Celtic Park and European debut in a 3–3 draw with Inter Milan in the UEFA Europa League on 19 February 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtics-stuart-armstrong-inter-fightback-5202850 |title=Celtic's Stuart Armstrong: Inter fightback was incredible but title is still top priority |newspaper=Daily Record |date=21 February 2015 |access-date=3 May 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/311007-gary-mackay-steven-and-stuart-armstrong-make-euro-debuts-for-hoops/ |title=Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong make Euro debuts for Hoops |publisher=STV Sport |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=3 May 2015 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232741/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/311007-gary-mackay-steven-and-stuart-armstrong-make-euro-debuts-for-hoops/ |url-status=dead }}
==2015–16==
Armstrong made his first appearance of the 2015–16 season in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie against Stjarnan, assisting the second goal in a 2–0 home win.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33500135 |title=Celtic 2:0 Stjarnan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 July 2015 |access-date=17 January 2016}}{{Soccerbase season|57797|2015|access-date=24 January 2016}} He scored his first goals of the season with a second-half brace, in a 4–2 league win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 15 August.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33832093 |title=Celtic 4:2 Inverness CT |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=24 January 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/celtic-vs-inverness/342088 |title=Celtic 4–2 Inverness: Armstrong double seals Hoops win |publisher=Sky Sports |date=16 August 2015 |access-date=24 January 2016}}
==2016–17==
Armstrong scored 17 goals in all competitions as Celtic won a domestic treble.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44584238 |title=Stuart Armstrong: Celtic & Southampton agree terms for Scotland midfielder |first=Kenny |last=Macintyre |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 June 2018 |access-date=23 June 2018}}
==2017–18==
Celtic won a second successive domestic treble in 2017–18, but Armstrong's season was interrupted by injuries. In June 2018, Celtic agreed a £7 million transfer fee for Armstrong with Premier League club Southampton.
=Southampton=
== 2018–19 ==
Armstrong signed a four-year contract with Southampton in June 2018.{{cite web |url=http://www.celticfc.net/news/14535 |title=Stuart Armstrong signs for Southampton on a four-year deal |publisher=Celtic F.C. |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=26 June 2018}}{{cite web |title=Stuart Armstrong: Southampton sign Celtic midfielder on four-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44619120 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 June 2018 |date=26 June 2018}} He said he wanted to "hit the ground running" at the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44626200 |title=Stuart Armstrong: Southampton signing from Celtic aims to 'hit ground running' |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=27 June 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport}} On 12 August 2018, Armstrong made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Burnley in the Premier League.{{Cite web|title=Southampton 0-0 Burnley: Alex McCarthy and Joe Hart shine in stalemate|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/11470927/southampton-0-0-burnley-alex-mccarthy-and-joe-hart-shine-in-stalemate|access-date=6 March 2021|website=Sky Sports|language=en}} In November 2018, he stated that he did not miss Scottish football.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46205972|title=Stuart Armstrong: Southampton's ex-Celtic midfielder doesn't miss Scottish game|date=14 November 2018|access-date=14 November 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} On 24 November 2018, Armstrong scored his first two goals for Southampton in a 3–2 defeat against Fulham in the league.{{Cite news|title=Mitrovic double earns Ranieri first win|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46244414|access-date=6 March 2021}}
== 2019–20 ==
On 17 August 2019, Armstrong made his first league appearance of the season in a 1–2 defeat to Liverpool, replacing Ché Adams in the second half.{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Neil |date=17 August 2019 |title=Southampton 1–2 Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49302580 |access-date=29 July 2022 |website=BBC Sport}} On 2 November 2019, Armstrong made his first league start of the season in a 2–1 defeat to Manchester City.{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Chris |date=2 November 2019 |title=Manchester City 2–1 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50191002 |access-date=29 July 2022 |website=BBC Sport}} On 11 January 2020, Armstrong scored his first goal of the season in Southampton's 1–2 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.{{Cite web |last=Bullin |first=Matt |date=11 January 2020 |title=Leicester City 1–2 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50990601 |access-date=29 July 2022 |website=BBC Sport}}
On 13 March 2020, the Premier League was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |date=13 March 2020 |title=Premier League, Football League and WSL suspended until April |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/mar/13/premier-league-and-football-league-suspended-until-4-april-coronavirus |access-date=29 July 2022 |website=The Guardian}} This meant that Armstrong and Southampton would not play again until 19 June 2020, where Armstrong scored in a 0–3 victory against Norwich at Carrow Road.{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Emma |date=19 June 2020 |title=Norwich 0–3 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51779559 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=BBC Sport}}
== 2020–21 ==
It was announced on 1 January 2021 that Armstrong had signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Southampton, which will run to the summer of 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-01-01/announcement-stuart-armstrong-new-southampton-contract-2024|title=New deal for Armstrong|website=Southampton FC|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721222826/https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-01-01/announcement-stuart-armstrong-new-southampton-contract-2024|url-status=dead}}
== 2021–22 ==
On 5 February 2022, Armstrong scored in a 2–1 victory against Coventry City in the FA Cup which was voted as goal of the fourth round.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2021 |title=Southampton 2–1 Coventry: Kyle Walker-Peters strikes in extra-time but Lyanco and Armando Broja suffer injuries |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12533347/southampton-2-1-coventry-kyle-walker-peters-strikes-in-extra-time-as-saints-advance-to-fifth-round |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=Sky Sports}}{{Cite web |date=7 February 2022 |title=FA Cup: Stuart Armstrong strike voted goal of the fourth round |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60283136 |access-date=1 October 2021 |website=BBC Sport}} His first league goal of the season came on 19 February 2022 in a 2–0 victory against Everton.{{Cite web |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |date=19 February 2022 |title=Southampton 2–0 Everton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60357461 |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}
== 2022–23 ==
On 23 October 2022, Armstrong scored his first goal of the season in a 1–1 draw with Arsenal.{{Cite web |last=Howarth |first=Matthew |date=23 October 2022 |title=Southampton 1–1 Arsenal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63274131 |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} His only other goal of the 2022–23 season came on 30 April 2023 in a 3–1 defeat to Newcastle United.{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Gary |date=30 April 2023 |title=Newcastle United 3–1 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65363992 |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}
== 2023–24 ==
Armstrong made his first appearance of the season on 4 August 2023 in a 1–2 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.{{Cite web |last=Woodcock |first=Ian |date=4 August 2023 |title=Sheffield Wednesday 1–2 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66333585 |access-date=21 April 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} On 3 October 2023, he scored his first goal of the campaign in a 0–1 victory against Stoke City.{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Stoke City 0–1 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66920480 |access-date=21 April 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} During a 2–1 defeat to Cardiff City on 20 April 2024, he suffered an injury and was expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web |last=Rees-Julian |first=George |date=20 April 2024 |title=Southampton's Stuart Armstrong sidelined until the end of season |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24267221.southamptons-ross-stewart-sidelined-end-season/ |access-date=21 April 2024 |website=Southern Daily Echo}}{{Cite web |date=20 April 2024 |title=Stuart Armstrong: Scotland and Southampton midfielder out for season and a doubt for Euro 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68861708 |access-date=21 April 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} Armstrong was released by Southampton at the end of the 2023–24 season.{{cite news |title=Men's retained list published for 2024 |url=https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/mens-retained-list-published-for-2024 |access-date=4 June 2024 |work=Southampton F.C. |date=4 June 2024}}
= Vancouver Whitecaps =
On 3 September 2024, Armstrong joined MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps on a two-year contract.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2024 |title=Whitecaps FC sign Scottish international midfielder Stuart Armstrong to Designated Player contract |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/vwfc-sign-armstrong |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=Vancouver Whitecaps FC}} He made his Whitecaps debut in a 0–0 draw with FC Dallas on 7 September,{{cite web |title=Points split |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/points-split |website=Whitecaps FC |access-date=17 September 2024 |date=8 September 2024 |quote=Newly signed Designated Player Stuart Armstrong made his Vancouver Whitecaps FC and MLS debut}} and scored his first goal a week later in a 2–0 victory against San Jose Earthquakes.{{cite web |title=Shutout streak continues, Armstrong off the mark as 'Caps serve up dominant display against San Jose |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/shutout-streak-continues-armstrong-off-the-mark-as-caps-serve-up-dominant-display-against-san-jose |website=Whitecaps FC |access-date=17 September 2024 |date=15 September 2024}}
= Sheffield Wednesday =
On 31 January 2025, Armstrong returned to England, joining Sheffield Wednesday.{{cite news |title=Stuart Armstrong signs for Wednesday!|url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2025/january/31/stuart-armstrong-signs-for-wednesday-/|access-date=31 January 2025 |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday FC |date=31 January 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cde9644r344o|title=Stuart Armstrong: Sheffield Wednesday sign Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder|date=31 January 2025|website=BBC Sport}} He made his debut the following day, coming off the bench against Luton Town.{{cite news |title=Report: Wednesday 1-1 Luton|url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2025/february/01/report--wednesday-1-1-luton/|access-date=1 February 2025 |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday FC |date=1 February 2025}}
International career
Armstrong represented Scotland at under-19 and under-21 levels.{{cite web |url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=105&playerID=51419&squadID=9 |title=Scottish Football Association – Under-19 squad |publisher=SFA}}{{cite web |url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=105&playerID=51419&squadID=5 |title=Scottish Football Association – Under-21 squad |publisher=SFA}} On 21 May 2013, Armstrong was called up for the senior team, along with his Dundee United teammate Gary Mackay-Steven.{{cite news |title=Dundee United's Stuart Armstrong called up to Scotland squad |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united-s-stuart-armstrong-called-up-to-scotland-squad-1.95265 |newspaper=The Courier |date=21 May 2013 |access-date=22 May 2013}} He was called up again by the national team in August 2015,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34040001 |title=Celtic's Stuart Armstrong given Scotland call-up |publisher=BBC Sport}} and again in March 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39253748 |title=Scotland: Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Fraser & Tom Cairney called up |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2017 |access-date=26 March 2017}} Armstrong made his full international debut on 26 March 2017, in a 1–0 win against Slovenia.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39302192 |title=Scotland 1–0 Slovenia |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 March 2017 |access-date=26 March 2017}} National team manager Gordon Strachan called it "the best Scotland debut I have ever seen."{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39401778 |title=Scotland 1–0 Slovenia: Gordon Strachan hails match-winner Chris Martin |date=26 March 2017 |publisher=BBC Sport}} In September 2017 he was ruled out of two 2018 World Cup qualifying games through injury.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41445004 |title=World Cup 2018: Scotland duo Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong ruled out through injury |date=29 September 2017 |access-date=23 June 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport}}
In October 2020 he pulled out of the Scotland squad for a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying play-off semi-final against Israel after testing positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54453593|title=Scotland trio out after positive test|website=BBC Sport|date=7 October 2020}}
In May 2021, he was selected in the Scotland squad for the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57171330|title=Gilmour & Turnbull make Scotland squad|via=www.bbc.co.uk}} He played in all three of the team's Group D matches, starting against both Czechia{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2024452--scotland-vs-czechia/|title=Scotland vs Czechia|access-date=24 June 2024|website=UEFA}} and Croatia{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2024472--croatia-vs-scotland/lineups/|title=Croatia vs Scotland: Line-ups|access-date=24 June 2024|website=UEFA}} at Hampden Park and appearing as a substitute against England at Wembley Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/026a-128d451ae1fc-603204881652-1000--england-0-0-scotland-honours-even-at-wembley/|title=England 0-0 Scotland: Honours even at Wembley|date=18 June 2021|access-date=24 June 2024|website=UEFA}}
On 26 March 2024, Armstrong won his 50th cap for Scotland in a 1–0 friendly loss to Northern Ireland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/match-report-scotland-v-northern-ireland/|title=Match Report: Scotland v Northern Ireland|access-date=24 June 2024|website=Scottish FA}}
On 7 June 2024, Armstrong was named in Scotland's squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals in Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/record-breaking-goalkeeper-gordon-out-scotland-euro-2024-squad-2024-06-07/|title=Record-breaking goalkeeper Gordon out of Scotland's Euro 2024 squad|date=7 June 2024|access-date=15 June 2024|website=Reuters}} He made one appearance at the tournament, coming on as a 76th minute substitute for John McGinn against Hungary as Scotland finished bottom of Group A with one point from three matches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/match/2036186--scotland-vs-hungary/lineups/|title=Scotland vs Hungary: Line-ups|access-date=24 June 2024|website=UEFA}}
Personal life
In 2014, Armstrong was studying for a law degree through the Open University in his spare time.{{cite news |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/dundee-united-s-stuart-armstrong-favours-law-course-over-golf-course-1.298237 |title=Dundee United's Stuart Armstrong favours law course over golf course |newspaper=The Courier |access-date=3 April 2014 |date=3 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403181310/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/dundee-united-s-stuart-armstrong-favours-law-course-over-golf-course-1.298237 |archive-date=3 April 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-uniteds-stuart-armstrong-reveals-3338131 |title=Dundee United's Stuart Armstrong reveals he's studying for a law degree to stave off boredom |newspaper=Daily Record |access-date=3 April 2014 |date=3 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403182815/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-uniteds-stuart-armstrong-reveals-3338131 |archive-date=3 April 2014 |url-status=live}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 18 April 2025}}
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|National Cup{{efn|Includes Scottish Cup, FA Cup}} !colspan=2|League Cup{{efn|Includes Scottish League Cup, EFL Cup}} !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan=6|Dundee United
|2010–11{{soccerbase season|57797|2010|access-date=24 November 2018}} |11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2011–12{{soccerbase season|57797|2011|access-date=24 November 2018}}
|Scottish Premier League |23 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 | |
| 2012–13{{soccerbase season|57797|2012|access-date=24 November 2018}}
|Scottish Premier League |36 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 43 | 3 | |
| 2013–14{{soccerbase season|57797|2013|access-date=24 November 2018}}
|36 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 43 | 11 | ||
| 2014–15
|Scottish Premiership |20 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 24 | 6 | ||
| colspan=2|Total
!126||18||13||3||9||0||1||0||149||21 | ||||||||||
| rowspan=5|Celtic
|2014–15{{soccerbase season|57797|2014|access-date=24 November 2018}} |Scottish Premiership |15 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 2{{efn|name=UEL}} | 1 | 17 | 2 | |||
| 2015–16{{soccerbase season|57797|2015|access-date=24 November 2018}}
|Scottish Premiership |25 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11{{efn|Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, five in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 39 | 4 | |
| 2016–17{{soccerbase season|57797|2016|access-date=24 November 2018}}
|Scottish Premiership |31 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 9{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | 47 | 17 | |
| 2017–18{{soccerbase season|57797|2017|access-date=24 November 2018}}
|Scottish Premiership |27 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 10{{efn|name=UCL}} | 1 | 41 | 5 | |
| colspan=2|Total
!98||23||6||2||8||1||32||2||144||28 | ||||||||||
| rowspan=7|Southampton
|2018–19{{soccerbase season|57797|2018|access-date=21 April 2019}} |29 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 32 | 4 | ||
| 2019–20{{soccerbase season|57797|2019|access-date=13 July 2020}}
|Premier League |30 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 34 | 5 | ||
| 2020–21{{soccerbase season|57797|2020|access-date=21 March 2021}}
|Premier League |33 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 38 | 5 | ||
| 2021–22{{soccerbase season|57797|2021|access-date=15 August 2021}}
|Premier League |25 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 30 | 3 | ||
| 2022–23{{soccerbase season|57797|2022|access-date=6 August 2022}}
|Premier League |32 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 35 | 2 | ||
| 2023–24{{soccerbase season|57797|2023|access-date=4 August 2023}}
|42 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 6 | |
| colspan=2|Total
!191||21||15||4||8||0||0||0||214||25 | ||||||||||
| Vancouver Whitecaps
|2024 |6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4{{efn|Appearances in MLS Cup playoffs}} | 1 | 10 | 2 | |
| Sheffield Wednesday
|2024–25{{soccerbase season|57797|2024|access-date=4 August 2023}} |Championship |9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 9 | 0 | ||
| colspan=3|Career total
!430||63||34||9||25||1||37||3||526||76 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 18 November 2024}}{{NFT player |id=67612 |name=Armstrong, Stuart |access-date=26 March 2021}}{{SFA Profile|id=51419|name=Stuart Armstrong}}
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan=8|Scotland
|2017 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 5 | 0 | |
| colspan=2|Total||53||5 |
:Scotland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Armstrong goal.
Honours
Celtic{{Soccerway|stuart-armstrong/134248}}
- Scottish Premiership: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
- Scottish Cup: 2016–17, 2017–18
- Scottish League Cup: 2016–17, 2017–18{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42056522 |title=Motherwell 0–2 Celtic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 November 2017 |access-date=26 November 2017}}
Vancouver Whitecaps
- Canadian Championship: 2024{{ cite news | url = https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/three-peat-vancouver-whitecaps-top-toronto-fc-to-win-canadian-championship | title = Three-peat! Vancouver Whitecaps top Toronto FC to win Canadian Championship | publisher = Major League Soccer (MLS) | website = mlssoccer.com | date = 26 September 2024 | access-date = 28 September 2024 }}
Individual
- Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: February 2013
- SFWA Young Player of the Year: 2012–13
- PFA Scotland Team of the Year (Scottish Premiership): 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17{{cite web |url=http://pfascotland.co.uk/items/PFA-News/pfa-scotland-teams-of-the-year-2017 |title=PFA SCOTLAND TEAMS OF THE YEAR 2017 |publisher=PFA Scotland |access-date=22 May 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816061743/http://pfascotland.co.uk/items/PFA-News/pfa-scotland-teams-of-the-year-2017 |url-status=dead }}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Sheffield Wednesday F.C. squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Scotland squads
| bg = #003876
| fg = #FFFFFF
| bordercolor = silver
| list1 =
{{Scotland squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{Scotland squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{2013–14 PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Team of the Year}}
{{2014–15 PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Team of the Year}}
{{2016–17 PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Team of the Year}}
{{SFWA Young Player of the Year}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Armstrong, Stuart}}
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Footballers from Inverness
Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers
Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Scotland men's international footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
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