Kieran Tierney is relishing the chance to return to Celtic and once again experience Champions League football under the lights at Celtic Park.
The Scotland international, who has spent recent seasons with Arsenal and on loan at Real Sociedad, has kept a close eye on Celtic’s progress in Europe. Despite last season’s exit at the hands of Bayern Munich, Tierney believes the current squad have shown they can make a serious impact at the highest level.
Celtic came agonisingly close to pulling off a famous result in Munich, with a late goal denying them a draw that would have seen the game go to extra time. Although the 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park meant the Hoops were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate, Tierney was left impressed by the performance and the progress shown.
For Tierney, the tie against the German champions represented both a high point and a tough lesson for the squad. He remains convinced, however, that the club is on the right trajectory as they look to establish themselves in Europe once again.
He said: (Celtic TV), “It was unbelievable. The Bayern Munich game, obviously, was the biggest high when we scored and the biggest low when conceded last minute.
“But I think that just shows the journey that the club’s been on, not just one or two years, but the last six, seven years, is building towards making our mark in Europe.
“And I believe the squad there can do it, and they showed that this year as well.”
Brendan Rodgers will now hope to guide Celtic through the upcoming play-off round, with the draw for that crucial tie looming. The manager has spoken previously about the need for experience and composure at this level, something Tierney would bring in abundance if his return is completed.
The left-back’s European experience with Arsenal and Real Sociedad will be a valuable addition to Rodgers’ squad as they look to secure another Champions League league phase place.
His familiarity with the club and understanding of what it means to play at Celtic Park on European nights will be massive next season.
Celtic’s recent progress in Europe has been built on the foundation of domestic dominance and a growing confidence against the continent’s elite. Tierney’s belief in the squad shows the wider optimism around the club that they can continue to compete and push further in the competition.
Should Celtic successfully navigate the play-off round, the return of Champions League football to Glasgow’s east end would mark another step in the club’s long-term ambition of making their mark once again on the European stage.
