Kieran Tierney could soon hand Celtic a massive boost.
In comments reported by the Evening Times, John Hartson has warned Celtic to not rush Kieran Tierney back following the defender’s return to training this week.
Tierney has been sidelined for almost two months due to a hip injury, according to the Daily Record. His most recent appearance came in the Europa League clash with Red Bull Salzburg back in December.
But he has handed Brendan Rodgers a major boost as the Hoops look to maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and continue making progress in Europe, by returning to training this week.
With Emilio Izaguirre enduring a mixed run of form, Tierney’s return is certainly a welcome one. But Hartson has insisted that the Bhoys must not take a risk with the 21-year-old given how important he could be during the remaining months of the season.
“I’m sure there would have been a few people getting excited about the sight of Kieran Tierney back on the training ground, but I think it is still very early days for the fullback. And the last thing you want to do is rush him back too soon,” he told the Evening Times. “It has been a shocker of an injury list and getting players back would definitely alleviate some of the pressure.
“But I also think that when you have so many games coming up that you need people to be willing to play through the pain barrier. I don’t think I ever played 100% fit.”
It would be a fantastic result for Celtic if Tierney stood any chance of featuring in the first-leg of their Europa League last 32 tie with Valencia next week.
Izaguirre’s inconsistency has arguably reminded everyone just how important Tierney is to Rodgers’ side. And having the youngster lining up against Carlos Soler next Thursday would surely boost Celtic’s hopes of getting a positive result before they head to the Mestalla one week later.
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