Simon Donnelly is delighted in the transformation of Stuart Armstrong.
Two years ago the former Dundee United assistant was coming to terms with life at Tannadice without the influence of the midfielder and Gary Mackay-Steven.
After an impressive start to life at Celtic, last season was one to forget as Armstrong suffered a drop in form and confidence as he flittered in and out of Ronny Deila’s side.
Callum McGregor and Nir Bitton were given the first chance to partner Scott Brown in midfield but after earning his chance the former Dundee United man hasn’t looked back.
As he prepares for a double header later this month against Sevco, Armstrong will be a vital part of Rodgers’ plans with Donnelly delighted that the 25-year-old is realising his potential.
“Stuart has been different class,” he told the Evening Times. “He’s taken confidence from the manager showing belief in him and, speaking from experience, there’s no better feeling.
“Last season he’d be starting games and then looking towards the dug-out after 55-60 minutes, expecting his number to be held up.
“That affects your performance but he’s gone from strength to strength under Brendan Rodgers, for Celtic and now for Scotland as well.
“It’s possible that he might not still have been at Celtic if Brendan hadn’t come in. When he and Gary Mackay-Steven went to Celtic, I thought they would both succeed.
“They made an immediate impact when they went there but maybe the realisation of just how big a club Celtic is got to them. Whatever the reason, it didn’t work out for them last season.
“Celtic, as a team, were a bit stale then but they’ve got their style and their swagger back and Stuart’s one of their main players. I go back to the League Cup semi-final against Rangers when he and Leigh Griffiths came off the bench and changed the game. He hasn’t looked back since then.”