Martin O’Neill recently shared his thoughts on Kieran Tierney’s impressive comeback at Celtic. The interim manager expressed concern about Tierney’s future following a series of injuries that hampered his performance. However, O’Neill now describes Tierney as “colossal,” highlighting his vital contributions to the team.
Kieran Tierney’s Recent Performance
Tierney has made a remarkable impact since his return, scoring in back-to-back matches. He netted goals in a 2-2 draw against Rangers and a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Despite this surge in form, he is currently a doubt for the upcoming Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers.
Injury Status and Fitness
- Tierney suffered a foot injury, which is reportedly clearing up.
- O’Neill noted that Tierney is generally sore but has shown fabulous progress.
- He has nearly returned to complete fitness, a positive development for the squad.
After six years with Arsenal, Tierney returned to Celtic in the summer. His move came after limited game time due to injuries and a short loan to Real Sociedad. O’Neill mentioned that there were moments when he questioned whether Tierney could regain his former level of play.
O’Neill’s Reflections
O’Neill expressed relief at Tierney’s revival, emphasizing his importance to the team. “He just couldn’t get his career going at all” in the Premier League, he stated. O’Neill’s insights suggest that Tierney’s return has rejuvenated not only his own career but also the team’s prospects.
Celtic Fans at Ibrox
Amid the excitement, O’Neill also addressed logistical concerns for Celtic fans attending the upcoming match at Ibrox. Police Scotland is requiring supporters to arrive three hours before the 1 PM kickoff, which raises questions about attendees’ accommodations, including whether they will receive breakfast.
- Celtic fans are asked to arrive by 10 AM.
- 7,500 supporters will occupy the Broomloan Stand, a full allocation not seen since March 2018.
O’Neill believes that full allocations for away fans enhance the match experience. He encourages both clubs to collaborate on ensuring that future fixtures allow for more equitable fan attendance.
As Tierney continues to impress, his journey from injury struggles to becoming a key player reflects both personal determination and effective management at Celtic.
