Video: Craig Armstrong airs his views on new England boss Sam Allardyce on Sports Week
Former Forest star Craig Armstrong has landed a new role scouting for the next generation of talented England players.
The ex-Reds defender is working for the national side in a ‘talent ID reporting’ role, which aims to spot young players which could make the grade internationally early in their careers.
He aims to identify 13-17 year-olds who could one day play for England and ensure they have the right development to fulfil their potential.
“It’s about reporting on boys who already have the natural gift and natural potential to go on and play for England,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic role and it’s opened up a great opportunity and it’s opened up a few more doors.
“So for example they want me to deliver courses for them. So they are now trying standardise scouting, so they want scouts to have qualifications as well, so it gives the scouting network credibility.”
Armstrong with new England manager Sam Allardyce
Armstrong started out his career in the Forest youth side and went on to make more than 400 league appearances for several clubs before retiring in 2012.
He then moved into coaching and development and also works to support young players in Nottingham through college courses.
Armstrong, now 41, said: “I’m very fortunate, I made a career out of football, I left school at 16 and moved down to Nottingham and I’ve managed to stay and be involved in football.
“I’m still doing something I enjoy and are really passionate about.”
For more from Craig Armstrong and coverage of sporting achievements from across Notts watch Sports Week on Notts TV from 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 10.
You can also watch the episode and the rest of the series on our catch-up service.
