Former Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney made his second official debut for Celtic over the weekend, but fans were left concerned after he was withdrawn early.
Six years after leaving Celtic for Arsenal, Kieran Tierney returned to his former club this summer, and he had his first opportunity in a competitive fixture on Sunday.
Celtic were kicking off their Scottish Premiership campaign against St. Mirren, and Tierney was named in the starting lineup for the clash.
Yet the 28-year-old couldn’t complete the full 90 minutes, limping off the pitch with 25 to go. Fortunately, Brendan Rodgers has played down fears of an injury to the left-back.
“He had a wee bit of cramp at the end,” Rodgers admitted, before adding: “He’s still building his fitness. He hasn’t played a lot of football in the last few years so we have to manage him.”
In general, Rodgers seemed to be impressed with how his new signing had performed, as the player put in a confident display.
“Kieran looked very, very good,” Rodgers said. “Once he understands a wee bit more how we play he’ll be able to get into positions that fraction quicker.
“Overall it was fantastic to see him back at Celtic Park.”
Tierney joined Celtic on a free transfer from Arsenal this summer, after coming to the end of his Gunners contract.
The defender played a role in pre-season for Rodgers’ side, including playing in a 4-0 win over Newcastle United, but he’s yet to complete 90 minutes since his comeback.
After all his injury problems in north London, Celtic will want to be very careful with Tierney in the early months following his return.