KIERAN Tierney has admitted he has relished working under Neil Lennon since returning to action last month and defended his interim manager’s exuberant reaction to Celtic’s late winner at Dens Park on Sunday.
Lennon sprinted down the touchline and celebrated with the travelling supporters in the Bob Shankly Stand when Odsonne Edouard scored in the 96th minute of the Ladbrokes Premiership game against Dundee.
The narrow 1-0 win sent the Glasgow club 10 points clear of their city rivals Rangers – who they take on in their first match after the international break at Parkhead on Sunday week.
Tierney believed that show of emotion underlined how much the Northern Irishman, who has taken over from his countryman Brendan Rodgers until at least the end of the season, cares about Celtic enjoying continued success.
“It’s passion and the fans and players love to see that,” he said. “When the manager and players feel the same passion as the fans it feels like a big family. We are all fighting for the same cause and outcome and it’s good.
“The last minute of the Dundee game was brilliant. Apart from that it wasn’t the best day for us, but we got the win.”
Tierney had a close relationship with Rodgers, who joined Premier League club Leicester City last month, but stressed he had enjoyed training and playing under Parkhead legend Lennon for the first time in recent weeks.
“He was just before my time,” he said. “I was maybe 14 or 15 when he was here before, but I’ve met him at different functions and occasions so I knew him personally before he became the manager. It’s been fun and exciting to work under him so far.”
Tierney, a boyhood Celtic supporter who grew up in Wishaw, attended all of the double treble winners’ matches during his lengthy recovery from a pelvic injury and has appreciated the encouragement from his fellow supporters.
“I don’t think I missed a game,” he said. “Every time if I’ve had an injury or a knock I have tried to go to every game to support the team as much as I can.
"Before the game and at half-time a few people want pictures. During the game you are just like anyone else. You just want Celtic to win. I just go with mates I used to go with when I was younger.
“It’s a good feeling being able to go back with them and when there is a negative like an injury the positive is going back to games and supporting Celtic. You do everything you can to stay happy and positive. That’s something I’m good at.
“The Celtic fans were always asking ‘when you are you back?’ They really cared and that makes you feel wanted as well.”
Tierney revealed that he wasn't idle during his two months out.
“I would go in training early at 8am and stay till 4pm or 5pm every day," he said. "You just do everything you can; upper body, core, on the bike a lot. I did a lot of bike work.
"They were long days. I wouldn’t say enjoyable, but you are injured, so you are making the most of the time to get better in other areas, trying to extract positives from the situation.”
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