Kieran Tierney made his return to Celtic yesterday, pulling on the shirt again for his second debut in the friendly against Estrela da Amadora.

It was a solid outing with flashes of promise, but what really stood out to Tierney wasn’t just the performance, it was seeing one player up close again.

Six years after leaving the club, Tierney is clearly buzzing to be back in the mix. The former Arsenal defender has quickly settled in, surrounded by familiar faces. But there’s one teammate in particular who’s reminded him exactly what Celtic leadership looks like.

Tierney says some players naturally lead. It’s not taught, it’s something they’ve got. And for Celtic, it’s not some new signing or voice behind the scenes, it’s someone who’s worn the jersey for years and led by example.

This player has been a big part of Celtic’s success in recent times, both in the dressing room and on the pitch. For Tierney, watching him lead again has been a powerful reminder of what makes Celtic tick.

He said: (Celtic TV), “The only thing with that is you always saw it in Cal, at a young age and when we played together.

“He had that leadership quality. Some people have it or don’t, and he has got it.

“I was always with the Scotland squad when he was there, and you could see it even though I wasn’t playing with him week in and week out. I could still see that he has those leadership skills.

“What he has done for the club, he is an absolute legend and what he has won. How he drives the team on. Seeing it again now, first-hand, is unbelievable.”

It’s one thing for supporters to hold McGregor up as a leader, but for Tierney to see it again first-hand after years away gives it fresh weight. Having watched from afar with the national team, Tierney’s return to Lennoxtown has only confirmed what he always believed about McGregor’s influence at the heart of Celtic.

His comments shine a light on what really matters in the squad, day-to-day consistency and presence. While younger names might catch the eye with flair, it’s McGregor’s drive and standards that leave the strongest mark. Tierney didn’t need to be playing alongside him weekly to see it. But now that he is again, the impact is even clearer.

That kind of respect has a massive effect. For new signings or players still trying to make their mark, seeing McGregor’s leadership in action will help set the tone. Tierney’s comments back that up, highlighting just how important the captain’s role is in setting the culture and keeping the levels high across the park.

With Tierney now back in the team, the combination of his energy and McGregor’s leadership could prove vital in the months ahead.

They know each other well, and that connection could help drive the team forward both domestically and in Europe.