Arsenal superstar Kieran Tierney blown away by Celtic fullbacks this season

By David Walton

May 31, 2022

Arsenal hero and former Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney has been left hugely impressed with the individual seasons fellow defenders Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston have had this year.

Celtic have managed to win back the Premiership title from Rangers at the first time of asking, with both Taylor and Ralston playing key roles down either flank. Combined, the duo managed as many as 82 appearances between them [Transfermarkt].

Ralston has managed to come up from nowhere under Ange to be a solid back-up to Josip Juranovic. Taylor, meanwhile, has made the left-back spot his own this season after a dismal year under Neil Lennon.

And Tierney couldn’t help but show his delight for both men as he links up with them for international duty with Scotland.

As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Kieran said: “Greg has got qualities I don’t have. I know people compare him with me at Celtic. But no player should be compared with another. It’s unfair. Everyone’s got different qualities. His consistency for Celtic has been unbelievable.

“Tony’s been brilliant and I’m delighted for him. He’s another ex-Celtic team-mate and I know how hard he works for what he gets. Tony’s been on a few loan spells but has never given up on making it at Celtic.”

Kieran Tierney gives due praise to Celtic fullbacks

Fans will long debate whether Taylor or Ralston should be first-choice heading into next season. We certainly need some form of competition at left-back whilst Ralston continues to battle with Juranovic on the right.

However, what’s clear is that both have a place in this squad under Ange. Both are Celtic title-winners having made significant contributions. And both go into next season with a big chance of getting Champions League experience under their belts.

That’s what’s so impressive about both men, Ralston in particular. The idea of them even having a first-team spot with regular appearances was extremely unlikely last year. Remember the reaction to Anthony’s new contract extension last summer, for example?

That his reputation amongst the Celtic support has turned around so much is a real testament to both himself and the manager. And the same goes for Taylor who’s managed to win the trust of both the gaffer and the fans.

It’s great stuff, and both will now link up with Scotland looking to play their respective roles in getting their nation to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year.

Irrespective of whether they’ll keep their spots at Parkhead next year or not, it’s been an amazing turnaround for both.

In other news, Reports gather pace on potential Celtic move for 19-goal Ryan Mmaee