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Football

05th Nov 2016

Brendan Rodgers has just christened Stuart Armstrong “the blond Cafu”

High praise

Darragh Murphy

Wherever Brendan Rodgers goes, he finds himself a brand new iteration of Brazilian legend Cafu.

At Liverpool, it was young full back Jon Flanagan who earned comparisons to the two-time World Cup winner.

And it seems as though Rodgers has now stumbled on yet another player who bears a resemblance to Cafu.

Ahead of Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday, the Hoops boss was forced into some tactical tinkering and opted to utilise Stuart Armstrong as a right back.

Armstrong, more accustomed to a midfield role, performed admirably and was singled out for particular praise, as well as a new nickname, by his gaffer.

Only last week Rodgers backed Armstrong, 24, for a senior call-up to the Scotland squad after impressing for Celtic.

“He’s a bright boy, he takes on information well and I think, if he keeps going, keeps improving and he keeps showing the level, I think there’s no question he could feature for the national team,” said Rodgers.

Armstrong remains committed to focusing on his club for the time-being but he admitted that he is flattered by Rodgers’ compliment and is looking forward to his Scotland debut.

“If I can become a regular in the Celtic team and put in good performances on a consistent basis then it would stake a good claim,” Armstrong said. “But I have always said my focus is on playing well here. The rest follows.”

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