Playing Kieran Tierney at Ibrox is a risk not work taking for Celtic

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Kieran Tierney could be ready risk playing at Ibrox after reportedly being fit to face the Ibrox side this month, according to the Scottish Sun.

But fielding him already looks like a risk that’s unnecessary to take ahead of a huge Scottish Cup final against Hearts. The match will determine whether or not Celtic win that holy grail of the treble treble. It could also go a long way to determining whether Neil Lennon gets the job permanently or not.

Therefore, surely it would be best saving Tierney for then, especially when you consider the problems he’s been having during the second half of the season.

Rangers at Ibrox isn’t for players carrying knocks. There will be meaty challenges, and Tierney could easily be targeted. It’s hardly the safest environment for a player just returning from injury.

Lennon said after the 3-0 Pittodrie win last week that he wouldn’t risk Tierney. Instead, he spoke about wrapping him up in cotton wool until he’s ready to play again.

Tierney has perhaps let Lennon know that he feels fine for Ibrox. If Lennon has consulted the medical team and they’ve given the left-back the green light, then fair enough.

Not at 100%

But Tierney hasn’t looked right in many games he’s played since returning. It just feels as though he’s not feeling 100%, and the fact he needs double hernia surgery this summer pretty much confirms that’s the case.

Even fielding him against Hearts on May 25th seems a risk given how physical a style they play. The last thing we need ahead of a huge campaign next term is for Tierney to suffer another bad injury.

Celtic have an able deputy available in Jonny Hayes. The Irishman performed well against Rangers at Celtic Park last time out. He did come off at half-time, but that was more to do with the fact he was on a booking than anything negative regarding his performance.

He could easily do a job down the left against our rivals. It’s certainly a risk worth taking in order to keep Tierney fresh for the Hearts game.

Of course, Lennon knows more about Tierney’s fitness than any of us. But he looked uncomfortable at Pittodrie, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he picked up something at Ibrox either.