Kieran Tierney’s lack of ability to play 90 minutes has grown as a concern among Celtic fans.
After becoming a rarely-used squad player at Arsenal, Tierney came back to Celtic Park in order to play a much more prominent first-team role, but this has not been a straightforward task so far.
Brendan Rodgers was clear about his intention to get competition for Tierney in the summer transfer market, eventually finding it with the loan signing of Marcelo Saracchi from Boca Juniors.
Tierney has now withdrawn from Scotland’s squad for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, which is unlikely to do anything to alleviate fears, given his importance to Steve Clarke’s squad
However, with Celtic teammate Anthony Ralston now also departing the camp on fitness grounds, Rodgers will be starting to feel luckless. Fans have been having their say on X about the Scotland squad update.
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Celtic fans react to Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston Scotland squad withdrawal
Given his well-known injury struggles, Tierney’s news is likely more likely to be worrying to Celtic fans than Ralston’s, and this is reflected in the responses to the news on social media.
Ralston’s injury record is comparatively much more favourable, establishing him as a reliable squad player under both Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
Responding to the news, @Gman1424 said: “KT is really struggling. Hope he quits international football and concentrates on getting himself as fit as possible, but I have a bad feeling about him.
However, not all responses were as positive. Given the large wage outlay offered to Tierney for his return, some fans are less patient with his ongoing fitness struggles.
@MCathcart17685 said: “Not surprised in the slightest with Tierney. He couldn’t run a bath now.”
@ThomasMcGee6 suggested that he should halt his international career altogether, saying: “Should be retired from international football.”
With three international breaks between now and the end of the calendar year, international football is not going away – the entire qualification campaign will be over by the time December comes around.
How should Kieran Tierney’s Celtic minutes be managed?
Tierney is yet to hit his best since making his return to Glasgow, still finding himself in a period of adjustment to a different tactical role.
In replacing Greg Taylor, Tierney has been tasked with changing his positioning slightly, picking the ball up in central areas and playing a bigger role in build-up.
When it comes to minutes and fitness, however, Rodgers has assured fans that they have nothing to worry about, saying that his ability to play a full match will come.
As the team’s first-choice left back, however, Tierney’s minutes may well be essential to the team’s chances, particularly as they have a crack at this season’s Europa League.
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