GIVEN Stuart Armstrong’s academic background, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see him in charge of Saints’ fines committee.

The Scottish international has a degree in law which has proven to be useful behind the scenes at St Mary’s.

Armstrong, along with James Ward-Prowse and Jack Stephens makes sure everyone is sticking to the club’s rulebook, which can see you fined for things such as lateness, leaving training kit outside and being on your phone in the canteen.

Former Celtic star Armstrong has chosen to play the good cop role and makes Ward-Prowse run around chasing late payments.

“I think in the changing room I would have the respect as the ultimate sort of authority, but that’s only out of me and Prowsey,” joked the 27-year-old.

“Because he doesn’t get bothered by the menial tasks, Prowsey would go around and collect debts owed to the fine committee.

“He’s a bit like a bailiff in that nature.

“If there is a matter to dispute then it’s on Jack Stephens to hold court and discuss the matter but you don’t want to go there.”

Due to the severe delays on the M27 and M3 yesterday, there were a handful of players who turned up late to breakfast.

Despite the valid excuse, there was said to be cheers coming from the canteen as they knew the fine pot was about to be topped up.

The money paid in is often used for team bonding events and meals out, so lateness can prove to work out in the squad’s favour.

Asked to clarify the cheers coming from the canteen, Armstrong said: “For sure.

“You don’t want to be late and there was a bit of traffic on Tuesday, so the fine pot received a little boost.”

It might come as a surprise that one of the repeat offenders is striker Danny Ings.

However, given he’s been integral to Saints’ excellent run of form, it’s likely he’ll be forgiven.

The former Liverpool man has already bagged 15 goals in all competitions this season, which has led to calls for Gareth Southgate to select him in March’s England squad.

Despite this, a fine is a fine and there is no let-off for Ings within Armstrong and Ward-Prowse’s committee.

“There are a few boys who like to leave their kit out on the training pitch – Danny Ings is a bit of a repeat offender,” he continued.

“Me and Prowsey never end up getting fined which is a bit of a strange coincidence.

“Cedric Soares has probably gone to court the most times and argued his case more than anyone but hasn’t won yet.”

When Armstrong isn’t dishing out fines at Staplewood, he will often be in conversation with Saints loanees Fraser Forster and Moi Elyounoussi.

Elyounoussi has previously said that the midfielder told him that going to Celtic would be a great opportunity.

Saints signed Armstrong from the Scottish giants back in 2018, and it’s a club he still holds close to his heart.

Because of this, he has taken a keen interest in both Forster and Elyounoussi’s performances north of the border.

He added: “After every game, out of interest, I’m checking my phone and looking out for the results.

“I always like to check Celtic’s results to see how the boys are getting on and I think Moi has been really well received up there.

“He was in great form, but he’s got a little bit of an injury now which will be a blow to them.

“I’m pleased that he’s doing well because it’s a great club and I think he is showing his quality up there.

“The same can be said for Fraser.

“He has put in some unbelievable performances in the league and then he had that one in the final.

“He’s been playing Europa League games as well, so I’m really pleased for him.”

It’s been said by some that both Forster and Elyounoussi are excelling because Scotland is an easier place to play than England.

But Armstrong strongly disagrees with that notion.

He feels as though the fact they are both performing well in the Europa League against top sides is enough to put that argument to bed.

“I think that’s a little bit unfair,” reflected Armstrong.

“I think the two of them played against Lazio away and won 2-1, so would people necessarily think the same about Serie A and the Premier League? Maybe not.

“I think people make that comparison a lot about England and Scotland which I think is unfair because you’ve got the big two, Celtic and Rangers, playing in European competitions.”