Kieran Tierney nothing to prove at Celtic after Arsenal exit

Tierney came through the Celtic youth academy and made his debut in 2015 aged just 17.

A football love affair followed with the left-back scooping up four league titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups before being lured away to London in 2019.

Therefore it’s understandable that when the chance to come back to Celtic arose at the turn of the year, it was a straightforward decision.

“It’s probably the easiest signing Celtic have had to make and the easiest decision I had to make,” said Tierney.

“He [manager Brendan Rodgers] played a huge part but ultimately it’s Celtic. I was always happy with it.

“I’ve loved playing under the gaffer, played so many games under him, so successful. I’m delighted to be back with him.

“The main part of coming back here was Celtic. It wasn’t to be home.”

Celtic host Newcastle United in a friendly on Saturday and Tierney admits he probably will feel “nerves”.

“It’ll be amazing,” he said.

“It’ll be special day, probably a bit of nerves as well because it’s the first time I’ve done it in so long.

“I’ve grown up as a player, matured as a person as well so there’ll be changes.

“I’ll probably take on more of an experienced player role. There’s the younger boys in the team that I can help along the way.”