Neil Lennon has this morning confirmed that Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney is back in contention to start on Saturday – giving the Hoops a big injury boost.
The Hoops left-back has been struggling with a pelvic injury. Just last week it was stated that he was going to visit a specialist to get to the bottom of the problem.
Tierney missed 16 games between December and February with the same injury. His loss has meant that Emilio Izaguirre and Jonny Hayes have both had their chances to impress on the pitch in recent times.
But Lennon today provided supporters with the huge boost of Tierney being fit for the trip to Aberdeen this weekend. Speaking at his media conference, Lennon said the following:
Is a start likely then?
Tierney has to be managed appropriately before the end of the season. Ideally, if there’s a way to get him to peak condition for the Scottish Cup final this month, that should then be the goal.
Celtic haven’t had many problems down the left in his absence. Izaguirre has performed well enough in his last two outings. Hayes has also proven to be a reliable performer at left-back when called upon.
But Tierney’s return is obviously an added bonus. He’s by far the best full-back in Scottish football. Celtic have also missed some quality final balls down the left if anything.
Lennon hasn’t given anything away about his team selection for Saturday. It would hardly be a surprise if Tierney was to be given the nod given how important he is to this Celtic side’s efficiency down the flanks. Lennon’s love for the cross-ball could also see him throw Tierney straight back in, given he has the best crossing ability of all our full-backs.
But Lennon also has to take into consideration Aberdeen’s rough tactics. In the last meeting, Dominic Ball ended Ryan Christie’s season, whilst Lewis Ferguson two-footed Tom Rogic. Tierney can expect some brutal treatment if he starts this one too.
It’s all down to how he truly feels after seeing the specialist. Hopefully Lennon makes the right call on him at Pittodrie.
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