Kieran Tierney shows value as Celtic title defence begins

It was reported today that Osasuna have enquired about Tierney, although that same article suggested Celtic chiefs will knock back any offers for the 29-year-old.

Given the lack of options in that position, and also Tierney’s importance to the league champions, that is hardly a surprise.

“Kieran’s going nowhere, he loves the football club,” said his former captain Scott Brown on Sportsound.

“You never know what can happen, but I love watching the wee man play, I love his passion. When there’s a 50-50 he wins it, when a ball goes into the box he puts his head on it.

“It’s the quality on the other side as well. You can see why he went down to Arsenal. Other teams will want that, and Celtic are lucky to have these three [Tierney, McGregor and James Forrest] for that long a period.”

Club captain McGregor is another who impressed in the league opener, but there’s also been whispers that he might be on the way out. Those rumours seem to have died down in recent weeks.

“Callum has retired from Scotland so he’s had the time off, and he looks really fresh,” said Brown. “He is the brains of this time, he’s got the understanding and leadership.

“If any young kids are watching, watch Callum McGregor, watch Kieran Tierney, watch James Forrest. You’re not at a football club like this for that long if you can’t understand the other side of the game.”