KIERAN Tierney has pledged his immediate future to Celtic, in the wake of claims which emerged from Manchester that José Mourinho was considering a summer bid for Scottish football’s brightest young star, writes Neil Cameron.
We understand that the 19-year-old has absolutely no interest in jumping at the first big money offer from an English Premiership club, even if Manchester United or Arsenal, who have sent scouts to several Celtic matches this season, make a move during the next transfer window.
Tierney signed a five-year deal a little over a year ago and while last season’s Player of the Year may well be tempted in the future to try his luck south of the border, that’s not going to happen for years to come.
The left-back has, for the past 18 months, been tracked by all the major English clubs. They found it impossible to ignore his incredible rise from the youth team to an established first-team performer who has hardly put a foot wrong since breaking into the side.
Tierney began the season in superb form and his performance in the Champions League against Manchester City in the 3-3 draw in Glasgow cemented his reputation as one of the best teenagers in Britain.
He has missed the past three months with an ankle injury picked up in training, he also had an operation his shoulder during his time out, but is expected to be back playing first-team football next month at the latest.
Brendan Rodgers was bowled over by his star pupil from the first training sessions last summer when the squad got together under the new manager.
At the time, the Northern Irishman said: “I saw in the first two days I was in charge that Kieran Tierney will be a top player.
“I know from my experience... that this kid will be a top player. For sure. Absolutely 100 per cent he will be.”
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