Kieran Tierney bats away Sky Sports poser about ‘perception’ of Celtic star’s fitness

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Kieran Tierney says he doesn’t have to prove his fitness levels to anyone on his return to Celtic.

The left-back made an emotional return to Parkhead this summer having signed a five-year deal with the Hoops following the expiry of his contract at Arsenal.

Tierney left Celtic in 2019 for a then record £25m to the North London club and spent six years playing under Unai Emery and then Mikel Arteta.

He has struggled with injuries over his career and missed a large chunk of last season due to a hamstring tear sustained at Euro 2024 with Scotland.

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Tierney not back at Celtic to prove anything

But Tierney, speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of facing Newcastle United at the weekend, says he hasn’t returned to Celtic to prove doubters wrong.

Asked by Sky Sports reporter Luke Shanley, Tierney replied: “Nah, nothing (to prove) because I know how much I work professionally on myself, on my body and on my recovery, being as ready as I can be for games.

“So no, I’m not here to prove anything. I’m just here to do the best for Celtic and just see where it goes.”

Tierney’s injury record since joining Arsenal

Tierney did miss around 70 games in total for Arsenal and Scotland during his six years at the Emirates Stadium.

That’s just over a season’s worth of games, which is quite a hefty number. That was always the risk when bringing Tierney back to Celtic.

Everyone knows he can be a world class left-back on his day, but injuries have scuppered his career, it has to be said.

He seems to have bother with his knees and hamstrings the most, so hopefully with a strong pre-season under his belt this summer at Celtic, he can ward off any potential injury worries this season.