Latest News

The fan factor

|
Image for The fan factor

Brendan Rodgers is delighted by the way Kieran Tierney is developing his game.

Over the course of eight days the 20-year-old has came through three demanding fixtures playing all 90 minutes without flagging. If anything he looked to be getting stronger.

Tierney’s first half display at Aberdeen ought to be shown to every aspiring full back in the country.

As well as playing his part in a flexible back three he turned into one of Celtic’s most potent attacking threats.

For the opening goal he matched Moussa Dembele’s run from deep inside the Aberdeen half before smashing his shot in off the underside of the crossbar.

Later Tierney turned provider, beating two Aberdeen players in an unchecked run before delivering the perfect cross for Moussa Dembele to bundle into the net.

As a bonus to having an outstanding player Rodgers appreciates that something extra from a player who’d pay to watch if he wasn’t out on the park.

“He is one of them and I always say you get that extra one per cent from a supporter if he’s on the field,” the Celtic boss told BBC Scotland.

“You get more than that from Kieran. He absolutely loves it and he can’t wait to score a goal so he can go share it with probably half his mates in the stand.”

Rodgers added: “He’s such a big talent and still learning the game.

“He played a slightly different position for the first 65 minutes, scores a goal, wonderful finish on the stretch and then makes a great cross and run for the second goal.

“The beauty with Kieran is that he’s very focused. He’s very determined and never gets carried away and that’s why he can play numerous games and play really well.”

Wednesday’s match at Pittodrie was Tierney’s 95th start for Celtic with just one substitute appearance as he zooms in on his first century of appearances.

Share this article

Online and independent- the only way to be. Enjoying instant news access and reaction, following the trends if not an influencer!