Celtic winger Jonny Hayes has lauded Kieran Tierney’s defensive attributes.
Tierney has recently come back from injury, and has slowly been getting his form back. Known for his bombing overlaps down the left, the Scotland international is widely regarded as an attacking full-back.
Hayes is often one of Tierney’s replacements if he is out. The Irishman has proved to be an able deputy in a variety of positions for the Hoops. Be it left-back, left-wing, or right-wing, Hayes has proved he’ll play anywhere for the club.
But the former Aberdeen star took time to praise Tierney’s contribution to the cause. Speaking in this week’s Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 36, Page 14), Hayes used a fitting analogy to describe Tierney’s work-rate at the back.
“He’s the type of guy that gives you 100% every time. He came back into the team for the Motherwell game and I could tell he didn’t want to come off. He wants to play every minute of every game and has great hunger.
“At the end of that game against Dundee he was the last man back. It’s like when you played at school and you had the last man back doing all the defending.
“He’s going to be a bit tired coming back in and playing every game. Hopefully his injury’s not too serious and he gets a proper rest before this upcoming game (vs Rangers).”
Still not 100% just yet
Hayes is right to bring up the injury knock that forced Tierney out of Scotland’s double-header last week. His national team certainly could’ve used him as they fell to a 3-0 mauling in Kazakhstan. That was then followed up by an slightly less embarrassing 2-0 win over San Marino.
Tierney, however, will instead have his eyes on the Rangers match this Sunday at Parkhead. Neil Lennon hasn’t confirmed his availability as of yet, as supporters have been made to sweat over it.
Tierney still hasn’t looked 100% in recent weeks, however. He’s still to come back into top form and make that same influence down the left that he had before the turn of the year.
Hayes, however, is proving a reliable deputy for any such injury concerns. He came on against Dundee and was arguably our most creative influence. Despite that, it’s probably still unlikely that he starts against Rangers.
But he’s growing into his role at Parkhead nicely. Having quality around like Tierney will only help him improve his game too.
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