Celtic manager Neil Lennon has cast doubt on Kieran Tierney’s participation in the upcoming Glasgow derby.
Lennon admitted to the official Celtic Twitter account that Tierney’s injury problems may force him to miss at least one of the three games the Hoops have remaining this season.
“A big ask”
“It might be a big ask for him to play all three remaining games. Last week he was probably at 70%, but a 70% KT is better than most at 100%” he said.
Tierney was forced off in last week’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen, and the player is set to have a double hernia operation in the close season.
Of the three games the Hoops have left this season, the most important by far is the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts in three weeks’ time.
Should be rested for league games
If there are any doubts about Tierney’s fitness he should be rested for the games in the league against Rangers and Hearts.
The Hoops have the players who can replace Tierney in the side. Both Jonny Hayes and Emilio Izaguirre are capable of filling in at left-back.
It is not a good idea to play a player who is only around ’70 %’ fit. This is especially true when it comes to a Glasgow derby.
Tierney needs to be rested, so that he can make the cup final. It seems an unnecessary risk to play him in the league when the title is already won.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
