Kieran Tierney

YOUNG Player of the Year Kieran Tierney insists he never had his head turned by the prospect of a big-money move to England as his only thought was on earning a new deal at Celtic.

The defender was the subject of a sizeable bid from an unnamed English club last summer but turned it down because he felt he had unfinished business with his boyhood heroes.

The 19-year-old went on to sign a new five-year deal last June and was a key figure as Celtic reached the Champions League group stage, retained the Premiership title without losing a game, and won the League Cup. Victory in Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup final will also earn them a first treble for 16 years.

That all meant more to Tierney than the prospect of earning more money down south, with the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as manager also a key factor in his decision.

He said: “The manager came in and I had been told already there was a big bid there. It’s always flattering to hear other clubs are interested but I had no doubt in my mind I wanted to stay.

“There’s obviously more money in England but it was down to me and I felt I made the right decision to stay at Celtic. Most people probably would have jumped at the chance.

“The money factor is what a lot of people care about. But all I was working towards was earning a new deal at Celtic. I wasn’t looking to get myself a move somewhere else. Luckily that came about.

“It was a dream season for me last year individually and the manager said he wanted to convince me to stay and sign a deal. But as soon as I trained under him, there was no convincing needed. I was going to stay at Celtic anyway.”


Tierney marked Celtic becoming the Invincibles on Sunday by celebrating in front of the Green Brigade. And he credited the fans for their help this season.

He added: “It’s brilliant playing for these fans and it’s great the atmosphere they create for us as the 12th man every game, home or away, whether we’re playing well or not. They are always there for us.

“I enjoyed going over to see them at the end of the game. The interaction between the fans and the players is what makes a club. I think it’s special, especially here. It’s second to none. It was good to give something back to them.”

Tierney also laughed that he listens out for the fans chanting his name during a match.

He added: “I hear them singing it when I’m playing. I listen out for it! Celtic fans singing your name is what you grow up wanting.

“I sang other players’ names when I was growing up so to hear it for yourself, or just them clapping you, is brilliant. It’s an easy song to learn! I should probably be concentrating more so I don’t hear it but I’m delighted when it happens.”

Tierney learnt all about the Lisbon Lions from his Celtic-daft supporting family and will be at the Hydro on Thursday night for the 50th anniversary celebrations.

He revealed: “Me, my mum and dad and sister all have tickets. It should be a special night – but the tickets weren’t cheap to be fair!

“When you see Rod Stewart coming it will be a massive night and special. My gran spoke about the Lions but she wasn’t too bothered about football.

“My dad Michael and my uncles talked about them a lot and that’s how I learned. I remember when we were at school and we had an hour on the computer me and my mates would watch old highlights.

“The more you watch the more history you know and that’s what this club is all about.”

 

KT speaking yesterday
https://streamable.com/xnbbm

 

Wee video of Kieran setting up the tifo from Sunday
https://mobile.twitter.com/NCCeltic/status/867473656523493378/video/1

 

This boy is becoming my * hero...to see him lifting the cup there and the emotion on his face * * love him to bit's.

Grown up watching Sutty n Larsson banging them in...you know what? I wouldn't swap KT for either of them.

There's only 1 KT

 

https://mobile.twitter.com/lomalitomoala/status/868501395221217281/video/1

 

someone send this to paddys twitter....."how can you leave your friend?"

 

He's staying.

 

I * LOVE KT man, such an awesome lad.

You could tell he was hurting not being able to play more of a part in a historic match, he's a true fan but also a model pro - he wants to be out there fighting for the treble with the rest of the team.

The bromance between him and Roberts is actually awesome you could see Roberts face light up when he realised KT was back in the house. I only wish they had ran towards each other and embraced to cap off a magical day.

 

Adore him. Absolutely gutted for him that he had to come off but it was great to see him involved in the celebrations.

 

I was gonna say who was the burd in this pic getting her mouth covered, until I looked closer and realised it was Gamboa

 

Brendan speaking on Kieran
https://mobile.twitter.com/RonnieEsplin/status/868511372082106368/video/1

 

Any video of the elbow ?