Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic has made a quick impression, with those inside Lennoxtown already feeling the impact of the Scotland international’s presence. Back in the Hoops after six years away, Tierney arrives with a wealth of experience from spells at Arsenal and Real Sociedad.
Although he missed the recent friendly against Cork City, the 28-year-old has been involved in training and has caught the eye. His sharpness in possession drills and vocal presence have stood out as he looks to settle back into life at the club.
Viljami Sinisalo has been particularly struck by Tierney’s level in training. The Finnish goalkeeper believes Tierney’s pedigree and mentality are already influencing the squad in a positive way.
He said: (RecordSport), “Kieran is obviously coming in with a lot of pedigree. He’s playing at big clubs, playing in the Premier League and knows what it’s all about at Celtic as well.
“He’s a brilliant footballer, first and foremost, you can see it daily in training. You can see why he’s played in the Premier League and won things here too.
“You see his mentality. It’s something young players can learn from, whether you are an outfield player or a goalkeeper, that’s what we are all trying to do.”
Tierney’s experience and familiarity with the club are seen as key assets as Brendan Rodgers shapes his squad for the upcoming campaign. His approach in training, both in terms of quality and attitude, is being noted as a benchmark for others to follow.
Former players have also voiced their excitement about Tierney’s return, with comparisons being drawn to iconic Celtic defenders of the past. That kind of praise reflects the expectations surrounding his second spell in Glasgow.
As Tierney continues to work his way back to full match fitness, there’s growing anticipation over how big a role he’ll play in the season ahead. If early signs are anything to go by, the left-back is ready to pick up where he left off.
