Kieran Tierney’s homecoming at Celtic Park could hardly have been scripted better. The defender came off the bench and wasted no time making an impact, providing the assist for Liam Scales in a 4-0 friendly triumph over Newcastle United.
It was Tierney’s third pre-season outing but his first on the Paradise turf since rejoining the Hoops.
The roar that greeted his introduction carried the weight of nostalgia, but the moment that followed reminded everyone why he had been adored in the first place.
Driving forward with the familiar surge down the left, Tierney bent in a trademark delivery that begged to be finished. Scales obliged, climbing above his marker to glance the ball beyond Martin Dubravka. In spirit, a reminder of Tierney’s relentless drive and ability to turn industry into artistry.
Celtic did not lack commitment on the left last season with Greg Taylor’s consistency, but Tierney’s return adds thrust and unpredictability.
For supporters, the day had been long in coming. The announcement in January that Tierney would return on a pre-contract set anticipation in motion.
This afternoon, those hopes found their first reward. Sharp in movement, he looked as though he had never been away.
The broader 4-0 win over Premier League opposition sent its own message: Celtic look well-tuned as pre-season ramps up. But it was Tierney’s cameo that stole the spotlight.
His energy and quality down the flank will be a major asset in the Hoops’ push to defend their domestic crown and chase relevance in Europe once again.