TIERNEY: GERS GLORY MEANS WORLD TO US
KIERAN TIERNEY can’t escape the Old Firm hype – but insists Celtic’s dressing room won’t be taken in by it. The left-back is faced with scores of wellwishers begging him and his team-mates to do the business against Rangers whenever the fixture comes around. But once kick-off comes he believes blocking out the desperation to win that engulfs the fixture holds the key to getting the job done. The Hoops have mastered the art this season having won four and drawn the other. Saturday’s trip to Ibrox in the Premiership is a new game but the mantra stays the same for Tierney. He said: “Everywhere you turn, whether that’s on Facebook or whatever, there are always Celtic fans wishing you well. I grew up the same as them. You see them everywhere so there is that added pressure. “But we just try to stay away from the pressure and not read into it too much. It’s all about concentrating on your own game and making sure you don’t get too hyped, don’t play the occasion and don’t go into rash tackles straight away or anything like that. “You have to stay calm and relaxed. You have to be controlled and professional. “You can go in hard at all times but you just have to be fair and make sure you don’t get any silly bookings or sendings off.” Rodgers’ side can become only the fourth in Parkhead history to seal a domestic clean sweep with victory in next month’s cup final. But Tierney insists they’re not looking beyond the test awaiting them in Govan. He said: “Coming to a game like this, especially as a Celtic fan, I know how much it means to everybody.”