STUART ARMSTRONG looks set to officially cut ties with the club next week as he puts the finishing touches on his Southampton deal.

The player is rumoured to be getting over double his Celtic salary at St Mary’s in a move which is undoubtedly going to help his bank balance.

With Armstrong leaving, it puts an end to the Dundee two’s time at the club with Gary Mackay-Steven sold to Aberdeen last year.

Both players came into Celtic at the same time under Ronny Deila and had immediate success, Armstrong playing a pivotal part in a pulsating 3-3 draw against Inter Milan.

Armstrong was played out on the wing with Ronny and struggled a lot before Brendan Rodgers came in.

As the song goes, the Irishman said, we’re going to play him at centre mid. After a slow start to the season, the midfielder got his chance and took it!

Becoming an interval part of Celtic’s season and driving the side forward. His equalising goal in the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen was as crucial as they come.

Last season, due to injury and the emergence of Ntcham, Armstrong has struggled for form and a place in the side. Failing to recapture the magic of his invincible run.

People will take shots at Armstong for leaving the club, but he did not have to sign a contract extension last year and could have easily run down his contract and moved for nothing this summer. The player and the club cut a deal which is about to pay dividends for both.

A hefty fee for a player in his last year is great business.