Forgotten 51-cap Scotland man lands new club after cutting four-month adventure short

The Canadian outfit released a statement this morning saying Armstrong had been “presented with an opportunity to return to England with the goal of playing again in the Premier League,” with sporting director Axel Schuster adding the club “respected his decision” to return to the United Kingdom, and “wished him and his family well.”

The ex-Celtic midfielder joined the Canadian outfit in September, signing as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Southampton in the summer. Agreeing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Whitecaps, Armstrong went on to feature in the club’s final 10 games of the season alongside Scotland teammate Ryan Gauld, as they qualified for the MLS playoffs. He also came of the bench in the TELUS Canadian Championship final as Whitecaps defeated Toronto FC on penalties, despite missing his own spot kick in the shootout.

However, with the MLS season set to begin again at the end of February, rumours of a potential return to England started to emerge last week, with both Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion credited with an interest in the 32-year-old attacking midfielder.

Upon the confirmation of his departure, Armstrong thanked the ‘beautiful city’ of Vancouver, adding that he was ‘extremely grateful for the kindness’ he received from the club and the fans despite his short stint in Canada. “I am also so thankful to have been a part of one of the best groups of people I have ever met,” added Armstrong. “I will of course miss the beautiful city, but more importantly I will miss the people in it. I will continue to support the team from afar and wish them nothing but success for the future.”

The Scotland international is in line to make his debut for the club tomorrow as they host Luton Town at Hillsborough. Just three points of a playoff spot, the Owls occupy 10th place in the EFL Championship, and could leapfrog either Middlesbrough or West Bromwich Albion tomorrow with a victory.