Brendan Rodgers has revealed he was in touch with Kieran Tierney this week after Arsenal dumped Real Madrid out of the Champions League and believes the returning full-back will significantly boost Celtic next season.
Tierney is set to make his dream return to Parkhead this summer, with the 27-year-old agreeing to rejoin his boyhood club from Arsenal after his contract expires.
Four years after heading to London, he’s packing up and preparing for a Glasgow return.
The Scotland international featured late on at the Bernabeu as Arsenal wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win, setting up a semi-final showdown with PSG. While Tierney’s involvement was limited, Rodgers sees his big-game experience as a vital asset.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final to Celtic TV, Rodgers said: “Kieran plays his role. He’s a different type of player. He can do that, of course. He can jump on the inside and be outside. I was in contact with him in the week, and I’m saying our wingers are very scared now!”
Rodgers is excited about Tierney’s versatility and the maturity he’ll bring back to the squad.
“When Kieran comes back, irrelevant of experiences, we will improve as a squad by having him here, of course. I’m just really pleased for him. Watching Arsenal in midweek, it was a fantastic performance over the two legs.”
“To see him be involved in that, it’s a great experience for him. The last couple of months will be a really exciting couple of months for him.”
Tierney’s return will give Celtic a player at the peak of his powers, Rodgers added.
“I know what we’re getting with Kieran. We’ll get back a player with great experience. Working in the Premier League every week for four years is like playing a European game every weekend. It’s so challenging and testing. We’re getting him back at a brilliant age. Hopefully, he can help this squad achieve a lot more.”
It’s a massive coup for Celtic, signing someone with the quality of Kieran Tierney. He could easily be starting for this current Arsenal, and will very likely have a role to play in the Champions League semi-final against PSG.
It would be amazing if the fan favourite could return to Parkhead with a Champions League winner’s medal hanging from his neck.
