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Brendan Rodgers directly answers Kieran Tierney Celtic return talk amid ‘tongues wagging’

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has responded to talk surrounding a potential return to the Hoops for Kieran Tierney after the pair were pictured last week at Celtic FC Foundation’s annual gala dinner.

Both were in attendance at the occasion alongside Rod Stewart, Chris Sutton and Martin O’Neill among others, but special guest Kieran Tierney ended up being the main topic of conversation among supporters.

Still at Arsenal after his £25 million move from Celtic in 2019, the Scotland international and Brendan Rodgers were spotted deep in conversation while the event was taking place.

Since then, reports have indicated Celtic hold an interest in bringing Tierney back to Parkhead, with a loan move in January said to be a potential option on the table.

While it remains to be seen if any links will come to fruition, Rodgers has now directly addressed the photo in question and elaborated on his relationship with his former player.

Brendan Rodgers directly answers Kieran Tierney Celtic talk

Speaking in his press conference before Celtic take on Aberdeen tomorrow, Rodgers has insisted there was nothing to note concerning his crossing of paths with Tierney last week.

He explained: “It was great to see him. I’ve always been in contact with Kieran, when we were both down there.

Celtic v Alashkert FC - UEFA Champions League Qualifier
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“Obviously, he’s been out injured so it was a nice touch by the club to invite him. He was a great player for this club and it’s unfortunate how it’s went for him at Arsenal with his injuries and other stuff.

“It doesn’t take much now to get tongues wagging.”

The notion of a Celtic return for Kieran Tierney will always exist

Despite having played his football away from Scotland for five years now, the Lennoxtown graduate is unlikely to ever evade questions surrounding a return to the Bhoys owing to his long-standing affiliation with the club.

Nevertheless, Tierney refused to rule out a Celtic comeback earlier this year when questioned on the subject, as he stated: “Who knows? You never know in football; it’s a connection that I’ll always have, somewhere I imagine I’ll always be linked with if I’m to move from any club, so you never know.”

While Greg Taylor and Alex Valle take up the Hoops’ two left-back slots at present, there may be scope somewhere down the line for a re-union between Tierney and Rodgers.

However, judging by Rodgers’ comments today, supporters may have to wait a while for the prospect of a dream scenario like that unfolding.