Why Armstrong could be an MLS standout

Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong can become “one of the best players” in the MLS after completing a move to Vancouver Whitecaps.

That’s the view of Scottish coach and analyst John Walker, who feels the 32-year-old is capable of enjoying the same success as former Dundee United team-mate Ryan Gauld.

Whitecaps captain Gauld has been named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad following a string of impressive performances in the MLS.

Meanwhile, Armstrong has been omitted from the national team set-up as he was without a club until today after his exit from Southampton in the summer.

Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Walker said: “Gauld is a standout player in the league. Armstrong would go into that team and also be one of the best players.

“And it’s because of what he’s good at as the league is very technical, it’s very athletic. Those are two things Armstrong has in abundance. He’s a very good footballer.

“He would walk into that league and be a really impressive footballer. And they would be expecting that as well because they’ve seen Lewis Morgan, Gauld and even Gary Mackay-Steven to a lesser extent. They were all standout players.”