Rodgers reunion with Aston Villa’s Taylor could bring best out of Celtic wonderkid Tierney

Follow us on Google Discover

Celtic could be active in the January transfer window as they prepare to take part in the Europa League.

There is no doubt that Celtic wonderkid Kieran Tierney continues to prove to onlookers that he is one of the best breakthrough talents in Britain at this very time.

The 20-year-old already has more than 100 appearances under his belt for the Hoops and even captained his country in a more unfamiliar position of centre-back against the Netherlands earlier this month.

But there is one thing lacking that could make Celtic’s number 63 improve even further, and that is proper competition on the left side of defence. Youth star Calvin Miller is considered his back-up, but he is largely unproven at this stage.

Tierney made his 101st appearance for Celtic on Wednesday night as they were hammered 7-1 by French giants PSG, but he still impressed in glimpses despite Brendan Rodgers’ side being without the ball for much of the match.

His quality is shining through. But the question remains that if he had competition, Tierney could reach a higher level. His growth into one of the Hoops’ best players would have been helped by the presence of Emilio Izaguirre, before the Honduran left in the summer.

Brendan Rodgers should scour the market for another defender Tierney can continue to learn from, one that Rodgers knows well from his time during a manager. That should see his head turn to Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor.

The Wales international is currently out of favour at Villa Park under Steve Bruce, with the former Hull City manager using Alan Hutton at left-back despite being right-footed.

The 28-year-old has amassed a huge 131 Premier League appearances for Swansea City, where he was part of the side that saw Rodgers develop his reputation as a manager.

That top-flight experience would help Tierney grow, as well as Taylor’s presence putting more pressure on the Hoops academy product which could see him thrive – if Rodgers did opt to form a reunion at Lennoxtown with Taylor.

Taylor could be looking for a move and would jump at the chance to link-up with his former manager, as he remains on the sidelines at Villa Park; being afforded little game time.