Brendan Rodgers wants Kieran Tierney back for Celtic vs Motherwell

Add as preferred source on Google

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed when he expects Kieran Tierney’s return to happen.

The Hoops manager was speaking to BBC’s Sportsound programme after yesterday’s 1-0 win at Kilmarnock.

In recent weeks, Celtic fans have had to endure a real lack of productivity from the left-side in Tierney’s absence. The likes of Emilio Izaguirre and Jonny Hayes have struggled for large spells, even though the latter performed extremely well at Rugby Park yesterday.

And, thankfully, Rodgers has labelled this Sunday’s home clash with Motherwell as the target date for Tierney’s return. Speaking on BBC Sportsound yesterday (Sunday February 17th, 45:25).

“I think Motherwell is the game we’ll target Kieran for.

“Jonny Hayes was outstanding today. He’s so quick, determined, has great delivery, and was excellent.

“He certainly gives us an option (for Thursday night).”

Timing couldn’t be better after yesterday

This is great news for Celtic supporters and the team as a whole. Despite the fact Celtic should have able deputies available in Hayes and Izaguirre, there’s no denying Tierney adds so much more than either of them.

Returning against Motherwell perhaps won’t surprise too many. What it does do, however, is take away any notion that he’ll be back for Valencia on Thursday night.

Rodgers also spoke to Celtic TV today and expanded more on Tierney’s recovery.

This makes perfect sense in truth. To play at the Mestalla having not featured in over two months would be a tall order. It’s not as though Hoops fans can expect to see Tierney returning at 100% fitness and constantly bombing down the left with nothing holding him back.

It will take time for the Scotland internationalist to get back to his best. But just the fact we now have a target date is a big boost for supporters.

Rodgers also seems keen on giving Hayes a shot at Valencia on Thursday night. Considering the shocker Izaguirre had at Parkhead, that’s not much of a surprise either.

Celtic are going to need Hayes to produce at both ends of the pitch the way Izzy failed to last Thursday. Whilst overturning the deficit is a tall order, there’s no reason as to why we can’t at least eat into it.