BRENDAN RODGERS insisted Kieran Tierney is “still in a good place” after the returning hero’s 45-minute cameo in the 3-2 loss to Estrela da Amadora at Benfica’s training campus yesterday.
The 28-year-old Scotland international left-back turned out for the Hoops after a six-year absence following his record £25million move to Arsenal.
Tierney featured in a first-half backline of Ben McPherson, Auston Trusty and Colby Donovan that saw the Portuguese outfit go in at the interval with a 2-1 advantage, despite Reo Hatate firing the champions into an early lead.
Reflecting on game-time for Daizen Maeda and Hatate as well as Tierney’s second debut for his boyhood favourites, Rodgers said: “It’s the first minutes of pre-season so really good to get them on the field.
THE GOOD OLD DAYS…Kieran Tierney celebrates a goal for Celtic.
“It was like Kieran had never been away, really. We know his strengths, we know his qualities and we know he’s going to be a big plus.
“I think those guys who came in are a week or so behind physically.
“In that space, you’re maybe 10 sessions short of the other players. But that will come, that will take time.
“But you can see from the 45 that he’s still in a good place and building fitness which is what pre-season is all about.”
Tierney had set his mind on returning to the east end of Glasgow as his contract at the London club neared its conclusion and knocked back offers from other top-flight English sides – with Bournemouth particularly keen – and European clubs.
Rodgers, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “In isolation, Kieran coming back is brilliant for the team.
“Make no doubt about it, Kieran has sacrificed to come back here in a financial way because he really wanted to come back.
“But to have that player of the quality and experience that he has now, it’s going to be really big for us.
“We want to make strides in European football, so to bring in that level of player will certainly help us to do that.
BACK IN THE GOAL ROUTINE…Kieran Tierney congratulates Reo Hatate after the Japanese midfielder’s opening strike in Lisbon yesterday.
“I think it tells you everything about what he missed and that feeling that he missed when he left.
“I know the clubs involved because I was part of the process in bringing him back so I know where he could have gone [elsewhere].
“But this always felt the right place for him when we spoke months ago. I’m really happy for him.
“He’s not even at his peak age yet, he’s still got a lot of years left in him and, hopefully, we’ll have them here at Celtic which I know he’s really excited about.”
After sealing a five-year contract, Rodgers added: “I’ve been in contact with him throughout the months.
“But it’s not really until you’re back here that you really sense it. That’s probably what it’s like for him.
“It’s probably a little bit strange initially, but once he gets to Celtic Park, he will feel really at home again.
“It’s just great to have him back. He’s on his way through the gears and we know a fully-fit Kieran is a massive boost.”
‘REALLY GOOD EXERCISE,’ RODGERS POSITIVE AFTER KT’S FALSE START
