Opinion – If Arsenal want to get the best out of Kieran Tierney, send him home for the Ten

‘At least pop home for 10 and show face.’

You know that moment when your parents told you the ancient Aunt and Uncle were heading your way for Sunday lunch? The same folk who never missed your birthday or ever forgot to ensure you had a Christmas card from the day you were born to the day you flew the nest. The ones you took for granted.

Despite this, when you reached 18 you had better things to do. You didn’t want to make the 40 minute drive from your new digs to your parents’ house at their request, just to sit at a dinner table for a couple of hours just to show you did appreciate them.

Then by the time you reached 30 you looked back and realised what a mistake you’d made, choosing six Stella Artois and an afternoon of ISS Pro with your pals rather than what really mattered.

The news that Arsenal may be considering offloading Kieran Tierney struck me as a bit crazy. It made me think perhaps Kieran is missing what matters and may be realising that the legendary buzz and social attractions of the bright lights – and I speak from experience here- aren’t quite as important as what he’s left behind.

When you consider the recent link as an alternative destination appears to be Leicester City – and Brendan Rodgers – then there may be time for reflection for young Kieran.

As someone who spent over 10 years in the bright lights of old London Town, I can certainly imagine a City that is a miserable existence in lockdown, though having frequented the Midlands too I can assure him it isn’t much better there.

Yet just a short hop home in the Lamborghini (Ok 391 miles and over 6 hours, but the car is fast) lies the most important moment in his kin’s lives. This isn’t an Aunt and Uncle, it’s 132 years of history, and bar Lisbon the most amazing season in the history of the club.

That’s right Kieran, the club that you and yours have supported through the generations from inception – the one that you helped make Invincible – didn’t stop in your absence. Now your club is on the precipice.

If moments of solitude and contemplation have made you ponder your next move, then consider this.

You have been enveloped in a City that demands instant results. The pace of life is relentless and they don’t take prisoners. There is always someone ready to take your place and you will always look over your shoulder. London never stops, not normally. It has however had an enforced pause, and as with all of us, we’ve had time to think. Time to reflect on what is important.

Whilst injury has stunted your development in North London and a lockdown has stopped you taking advantage of the normal distractions such a shutdown could bring-of which I fully appreciate there are plenty- It is worth remembering that back home as the song says ‘this land is your land’ and the most important season since 1967 awaits.

Those who are part of it have a legend status and near immortality awaiting them. Your great grandchildren and ours, could look back in books by the David Potter’s and Matt Corr’s of their time and see your face adorning those paintings and photos on the walls of Celtic Park, alongside the films that record the achievement. Alternatively you could join Leicester City and wistfully witness the dying embers of Jamie Vardy’s career as he struggles to connect with your cross balls.

So join the Leicester City revolution and perhaps finish fourth in the English league, or come home, get back up to speed and join the giants on whose shoulders you stand on. Make your mark on the folklore and rich tapestry of Celtic.

One year out of London and back to Celtic on loan. To them a season, but a year like no other to your own. Regain your undoubted strength and ability, win that historical title. Go back to London emboldened, as a legend beyond your time on this mortal coil. Then return to Islington ready to show Arsenal you are the player we told them they’d purchased, with unfinished business now completed.

Have a word with your boss Kieran, tell him you still have something to offer, but you just need to pop home for the 10. No regrets.

Niall J

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About Author

As a Bellshill Bhoy I was taken to my first Celtic game in the summer of 1987. It was Billy McNeill’s return to Celtic Park as manager and Celtic lost 5-1 to Arsenal . I thought I was a jinx, I think my Grandfather might have thought the same. It was the finest gift anyone ever gave me when he walked me through Parkhead's gates.

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