Neil Lennon admits that Kieran Tierney will be unsettled by the speculation surrounding his future. The Celtic full-back has been subject to a bid from Arsenal this summer while recent reports have linked Napoli with an interest in his services.
Tierney hasn’t featured in any of Celtic’s pre-season fixtures so far, although that is down to him recovering from a recent hernia operation.
However, Lennon admits it’s a difficult time for the Scotland ace.
He told the Daily Record: “It can be unsettling but he’s been okay. He’s not really training with the group but hopefully we’ll see him on the training ground in a week or two.
“In terms of where he is mentally, it’s got to be unsettling for him, it’s only natural.”
How will Tierney cope if speculation ends?
It does look increasingly likely that Tierney will depart this summer, but let’s have a look at what would happen if he does not.
The left-back loves playing for Celtic and would be highly unlikely to throw a strop if he didn’t get his move. The defender still has four years left on his contract and many good years ahead of him at 22.
He would just have to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible. Tierney had many injury problems last season and missed over a third of Celtic’s matches. It would be crucial that he got back up to speed with the rest of the squad and tried to put his niggles behind him.
The full-back would still have major backing from his fellow players as well as coaches and the Celtic support. The 22-year-old is idolised at Celtic Park and nothing would change that this summer.
He will get his move at some stage in the future and Celtic will reap massive benefits. There’s nothing to say it has to be this summer, even though that looks likely at present.
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