I’ve got more to prove
Celtic starlet Kieran Tierney believes he will face a lot more pressure this season because everyone knows who he is now.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise last term, establishing himself as the first-choice left-back and earning widespread praise as one of his team’s most consistent performers.
In addition, he was voted Scotland’s Young Player of the Year and earned his first senior Scotland cap.
Not a bad season’s work for a teenager but Tierney knows it’s going to get harder and harder now.
He said: “I probably have more to prove this season than the last one because I was new.
“This time people will be expecting me to be on top again but it will be difficult. All I can do is work hard.
“Am I ready for that? Definitely. It’s a challenge every footballer faces in their second season. I hope I can go out there and prove myself again.
“I don’t set any targets as such. Success for me would be to maintain my place for Celtic, playing every week and playing well.”
Old boss Ronny Deila threw Tierney into Euro ties last term and he hopes that will help him book a Champions League place under Brendan Rodgers.
He said: “I got a taste of the Europa League last year which was good coming into this season.
“It was great to get the experience of Fenerbahce and Ajax, who are really Champions League teams.
“The new manager has been great with me and you always appreciate it when he says good things.
“The mood in the camp is brilliant.”