We’re fitter for purpose, says KT
KIERAN TIERNEY reckons Celtic weren’t just better than Rangers on Sunday – they were stronger and fitter too.
In the 54th competitive game of an epic season, the Parkhead side’s physical conditioning was just one of a number of factors which helped them dispose of Rangers with a measure of comfort in Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final.
Tierney, whose bursts up that left flank are aided these days by legs like tree trunks, feels Celtic had the edge in the physical department and hopes the hard work will pay further dividends at Ibrox on Saturday.
“I felt over the 90 minutes that we looked fit for the full game,” said Tierney. “You go into these games where it’s hyped up and obviously you might get a wee bit tired earlier than normal, but I thought we looked stronger and fitter than them.”
Still just 19, Tierney and his team-mates handled the pressure of going in as favourites well last weekend, and more of the same will be required if they are to make it a fifth win of the season against their city rivals.
“There was pressure on us because everyone is looking at us and expecting us to keep on winning,” he said. “We dealt with that brilliantly on the day.
“Now we’ll go in and train hard all week as we have done all season and treat it like any other game. But of course I know what it means to the fans.
“Especially as a Celtic fan. When you’re driving up to Hampden in the bus and you see all the fans, that used to be me. To get that win to reward them was great.
“I don’t know the stats in terms of possession compared to the 5-1 game [at Celtic Park in September], but that was a comfortable game and this was a comfortable game as well.”