The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Rising star Tierney loves life at Parkhead
Much to celebrate for left-back and Hoops ahead of Partick Thistle clash
Kieran Tierney is playing with a smile on his face as his career at Celtic continues on an upward curve.
The 19-year-old left-back has been one of the many star performers in Brendan Rodgers’ Ladbrokes Premiershipwinning team, which remains unbeaten domestically this season.
Tierney has continued his progression under the Northern Irishman and has become a feature of Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad.
The former Parkhead youth player, who is savouring every minute of the campaign and preparing for the visit of Partick Thistle tonight, said: “I have worked hard every day, as I did last year, and hopefully I have improved as a player.
“I enjoy every game for Celtic, no matter what game it is. That’s what I am here to do, play with a smile on my face.
“I have been lasting 90 minutes easier this season and played more games consistently.
Celtic have won 28 and drawn two of their 30 league games, and the Betfred Cup winners face Rangers in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park later this month.
Like everyone at Celtic Park, Tierney sways away from elaborating too much on treble hopes, saying: “Obviously, we have thought about it. We just need to take one game at a time and not get too far ahead of ourselves and be prepared.”
However, he is aware of the significance of extending the unbeaten run to the end of the season.
Strikers Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths are ruled out of tonight’s clash with Partick Thistle.
Dembele is nursing a hamstring problem and Griffiths has a fractured bone in his back, injuries which caused both players to miss the 5-0 titleclinching win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.
Midfielder Tom Rogic continues to gain fitness after recovering from an ankle injury.
Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald said: “The timing is not great . . . I don’t think you want to go there the first game after they’ve won the league.”
Captain Abdul Osman will see a specialist to ascertain the extent of a shoulder complaint.
The midfielder sustained the injury in the 2-1 win over Ross County on Saturday and will miss the trip to Celtic.
Striker Kris Doolan has a niggle and Steven Lawless is ill, while long-term casualties Stuart Bannigan and Gary Fraser (both knee), Jason Banton (groin), Ryan Scully (shoulder) and Sean Welsh (foot) remain out.