He may have missed out on Scotland recognition but Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong still has reason to celebrate.
It would not have come as a shock had Armstrong joined Tannadice teammate Gary Mackay-Steven in Gordon Strachan’s squad when it was announced at Hampden.
Indeed, it was something of a surprise that he wasn’t picked, given the quality of the performances he has been producing for the Tangerines.
Still, there was considerable consolation for the Aberdonian in the form of the Clydesdale Bank young player of the month award for February that he collected before training at St Andrews.
“I am very happy to win the award,” said Armstrong, who is blossoming under the stewardship of new boss Jackie McNamara. “I have been playing well recently but the challenge now is to keep it going in the rest of the games.
“I have a chance to play in my favoured position, which is in the middle of the midfield, so I am enjoying that. I love playing in the centre so it’s great to get that opportunity. I got a few chances under the old manager (Peter Houston) but competition for places was high.
“There was a time when things went through my mind and I asked myself if it would happen and if I would get my chance but you just have to get on with it, work hard and take the opportunity when it comes. I got into the team and tried to make an impact.”
Armstrong certainly did that and Strachan must have noted his name down as a definite one for the future as the national coach saw him stroll around Dens on Sunday as, arguably, United’s top performer in the Dundee derby.
“I didn’t know that Gordon Strachan was at the game,” said Armstrong. “It’s nice to know he was watching but I reckon he was there to see Gary Mackay-Steven.
“Anyway, the under-21 squad gets announced this week as well so hopefully I will be in that. It’s always nice to be involved with the international scene at any level.”
Perhaps surprisingly, it wasn’t the derby win that provided Armstrong with his highlight of the month.
Instead, his own top moment came during United’s only defeat in February a 6-2 loss to Celtic.
“The highlight of the month was scoring at Parkhead,” added Armstrong. “It will be a fond memory in the future but I was only able to enjoy it at the time for about 10 minutes.
“I watched the goal back again at night with my dad. It’s nice to score against the champions but I don’t want to live in the past. I want another one the next time we play them but first of all I’d like one against St Mirren in the league on Saturday.
“We are running out of games to get into the top six so I would say St Mirren is probably a ‘must win’ for us. The league is so tight, there are loads of teams scrapping for places. If we can get a win, get a bit of luck and go on a wee run then I think we can get in there.”
Tannadice assistant boss Simon Donnelly welcomed the award for one of the club’s rising stars.
“We’re delighted for Stuart as he’s been fantastic since we came here,” said Donnelly. “Before we arrived the talk was all about GMS and Johnny Russell being the big talents here but Stuart is right up there with them.
“He really has got everything he’s got a great touch, awareness and pace to burn. His character is also very good. He is a lovely lad, down to earth, a hard worker and keen to learn.”