‘Another level’ – Peter Grant says he ‘applauded’ £3m star as he left Celtic

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Brendan Rodgers will be working with his fifth left-back, since coming back to Celtic in 2024, ahead of the new campaign.

During Rodgers’ first spell in Glasgow, there was only one left-back who consistently produced and played under him, and that’s Kieran Tierney.

That very same player will be the fifth player the Celtic manager will play as his left-back option since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout.

Greg Taylor, Alexandro Bernabei, Alex Valle, and Jeffrey Schlupp have been the others, and they have all since left Scotland’s most successful club.

• READ MORE: Departed Celtic star told he’s a ‘fantastic reference for our younger players’ as he finds a new club

Greg Taylor leaving Celtic, and Kieran Tierney re-joining

Taylor decided to join PAOK on a free transfer this summer, despite having the option to extend his stay at Celtic and continue to play under Rodgers.

It’s fair to say that Taylor divided opinion amongst the Celtic Park faithful, but Peter Grant doesn’t sit under that umbrella, and he told Go Radio that he ‘applauded’ the £3 million signing from Kilmarnock when he left.

But Grant made it clear that, whilst Taylor was ‘outstanding’ for Celtic, the truth of the matter is, Tierney is on ‘another level’ to his fellow countryman.

“I said that to you before (Trebles are hard to come by),” said Grant. “It’s such a fine line. Trebles are so difficult. In a cup tie, you can play poorly, as Celtic did on the day, and you lose the cup final. I know Maeda missed a big chance to win it 1-0; obviously, it goes to the penalty kicks. 

“You are thinking, ‘where are you going to go from there?’ I don’t think it’s a wake-up for Brendan, in any shape or form. I think he knows what he needs to improve and how you need to freshen it.

“You have done that with a Kieran Tierney. Great credit to Greg Taylor, because I thought Greg Taylor has been outstanding for Celtic.

“There is absolutely no doubt about that, and he goes away with great applause from me. I thought he was understanding. But Kieran Tierney is another level, I believe, so that is a fantastic signing.”

Celtic dressing room after Tierney’s signing

You could argue the Celtic fans need a bit of a lift because a number of them are a little down over how the 2025 summer transfer business has gone.

But despite that mood from the stands, Grant thinks it’s a another feeling inside the dressing, and that’s because of players like Tierney.

“But I am sure other ones will come in and the dressing room will be galvanised,” added Grant.

“We have seen the likes of Kieran and that. Callum McGregor, James Forrest and that are doing ever so well. That’s the experience. They learn, everybody else. 

“The big thing is now, they will still be looking for big performances. There are guys yet to stand up to the plate and be consistent. I know it’s a little bit more difficult now because of the minutes you spend on the pitch.

“But when you get them minutes, you have to be ready. You’re lucky if you get an hour now if you start. That’s the problem. I am sure Brendan Rodgers’ mind was made up before the cup final. No doubt about it (more signings to come).”