Brendan Rodgers has eased any fears over Kieran Tierney’s fitness after Celtic’s 2-0 win away to Aberdeen at the weekend.
Rodgers explained that Tierney had been feeling sick since half-time and had even vomited during the break. Despite that, the Scotland international was determined to keep playing. It’s another sign of his commitment, even as he continues to build back his fitness after two injury-hit seasons.
The Irishman praised Tierney’s attitude but said it’s important to manage his minutes properly. While the defender gives everything in training and on the pitch, Rodgers made clear that throwing him into full 90-minute games right away wouldn’t be the right call.
Tierney’s return has been handled carefully so far, with Rodgers aiming to give him between 60 and 70 minutes each game. That approach has helped the player build fitness without risking another setback, and the early signs have been promising.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “I just think that’s going to be time and I just want to take it steady with him because he’s full on in training, his mentality’s unbelievable. It’s also considering that he hasn’t played a lot over the last couple of years.
“So then just throwing him into every single game for 90 minutes, that’s not really going to work for us. But I’ve been so pleased with how he has come in, how he’s settled and he’s getting between 60 and 70 minutes and just working his fitness level.
“He understands it now. He’s obviously got a great maturity to him now and has probably sensed maybe he’s been his own worst enemy as it were, because he is so committed and he is so full on.
“But you can see his maturity as an experienced player now, that in those moments where you do maybe, you know, if you’re doing six exercises and you’re taking him out of the last one, then he understands it much better now. Even though he’s inherently a guy that gives everything and it’s never 80% or 70%, it’s 100% always. But I’ve been so pleased to have him back and he’s showed up really well.”
Tierney didn’t just show fight by playing through illness, he also delivered a crucial assist in a strong performance. Rodgers is clearly being careful with him, and for good reason. After a tough spell with injuries, pushing him too hard too soon isn’t worth the risk.
The way Tierney’s return is being handled shows how much he’s grown. He still gives 100%, but now knows when to ease off when needed. That mix of hunger and maturity is exactly what Celtic need as they gear up for a long season.
Having Tierney available, even for just over an hour, gives Rodgers another weapon down the left. If others like Trusty can chip in and share the load, it’ll help keep the squad in good shape over the coming months.
Celtic are back in action on Friday night when they host Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup. It could be another chance to manage game time and keep building momentum, with Tierney again expected to be used wisely.
