BRENDAN RODGERS spoke about the inevitable interest that a world class, young player like Kieran Tierney will attract from the top sides in leagues such as England or Spain. He also spoke about KT’s passion and commitment to Celtic and how these two distinct aspects can come into conflict.
“You can see Kieran’s passion and love for Celtic. I’m sure there will be times over the next few years when that will be tested.
“There will be a financial implication there you have to think about, and he can’t not have that opportunity if it comes, to even think about it.
“But I don’t think it’s something that’s on his radar.
“He knows that to leave Celtic it has to be a win-win situation for him — and a club that people go, ‘OK, we can see that one’.
“I think at this moment in his life he’s at the right club.
“It tends to be that moral issue that comes into it in terms of being on X amount at Celtic, another club can give him X amount and they give you that as a club.
“Then it’s very difficult for a young player, or any player, to turn that down.
“I’ve been up here a few years now, and everyone talks about loyalty and all that sort of stuff.
“But it’s also a business for players. Kieran is a Celtic fan and that means everything to him.
“But football’s a business now for players, and he’s recognising that if you are playing over 15 years of your life, and you are at this club for whatever, another four or five years, he might feel this is the happiest he’ll ever be.
“Because when Kieran leaves, he’ll arguably never be as happy. You have to look after yourself and that’s the modern world.
“But he’s a great kid and I’m sure he’ll be here for a few years yet.”
The Celtic manager reckons that bids will arrive this summer for the player but he is sure that he will remain at Celtic for now.
“If you play for a big club in whatever country there will always be people watching.
“There is a dearth of good left-backs. With Tierney’s qualities and huge potential still as a young player, that is always going to draw the eyes of top teams.
“But it doesn’t bother him. He is developing very well and loving every minute.
“It is about time with young players. We have a lot of youngsters who are still developing and emerging.
“Tierney has great qualities. He has a good temperament and that is getting better in big games.
“Tactically, he understands the game much better.
“Physically, he can cope with any league in the world. He has got stronger and faster and is playing at a big club.
“But he’s not for sale. This is his second full season playing and he’s got development to go. He is in a great place to learn.”
LAST NIGHT The Celtic Star Podcast – A Celtic State of Mind won prestigious The Podcast of the Year Award at the Football Blog Awards in London.
The latest podcast is out this morning – it’s part 2 of the brilliant interview with Celtic’s SLO John Paul Taylor where he selects the games and the soundtracks of his own personal Celtic journey. Loved his memories of the 4-2 game in the first part of his interview. Here’s the latest instalment from the UK’s Football podcast of the year…
Listen to “John Paul Taylor with A Celtic State of Mind (Part 2/3)” on Spreaker.
