Airdrie teenager Johnny Armstrong hopes Falkirk can give him a platform to launch his career, and says it’s up to him to take his opportunity.
The 17-year-old midfielder made the bench for the Bairns in their 2-1 League One defeat at home to Clyde on December 26, and hopes that’s just a taster of what is to come.
Former Caldervale High pupil Armstrong has had a decent grounding at the game, having come through the youth set-up at Motherwell and he was invited for a trial at Burnley in August of last year.
The Turf Moore club were unable to offer a two-year scholarship, neither were Watford, and Armstrong was on the verge of signing a one-year at Fleetwood Town when Falkirk swooped to bring him in.
Former Gartcairn youngster Armstrong was initially on an under-18 deal, but was brought into the first-team set-up by boss Martin Rennie very quickly.
“It has honestly been a big step from playing in the under-18s, but I’ve fully enjoyed it,” said Armstrong.
“I was in training with the under-18s for a couple of weeks but the gaffer had seen me, brought me in, and I’ve been in there ever since,
“It has been great experience being in and about all the boys, who have played at a good level, so it has been brilliant since I’ve been in.
“I’ve been in the first-team squad for the last four or five months or so.
“I made the bench a couple of weeks ago for the first time, so that’s a good start.
“Getting on the pitch would be brilliant, to make my debut, especially given how young I still am.
“Getting the chance could be brilliant, so if I can make my debut this year it would be great.”
Johnny added: “I want to try and play at the best level that I possibly can, if that’s Scotland, England or wherever it is, that’s my aim.
“I’ve had people talking to me and telling me that I am good enough, and I’m believing in myself as well.
“I have the platform to go and play at a good level, and I’m confident in my own ability as well.”
Armstrong says for the time being he’s just going to soak up all the experience he can get.
He said: “I went down to Burnley for a trial and that helped hundreds, with all the different stuff you learn because it’s a lot more in-depth, so that has helped a lot when coming into a first-team environment.
“Guys at Falkirk have helped massively, players like Gary Miller and Paul Dixon are always talking to me, giving me advice and wee tips, and they’ve been brilliant with me.
“It has been really good, working with so many different coaches in my career, and that prepares you for going into first-team football.
“Everybody has been brilliant that I have worked with.”
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