KIERAN TIERNEY believes Celtic will have no fears of strong-arm tactics when they face Motherwell in the Betfred League Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday.
The Fir Park side make no secret of the combative and physical side of the game that has helped them reach their first silverware showdown for six years.
Ryan Bowman, of course, was involved in a controversial incident with the Scotland full-back at Parkhead last season when he left him writhing on the touchline following a reckless lunge.
Tierney said: “Everyone knows about the tackle he [Bowman] made on me.
“I don’t think he meant it and I wouldn’t like to think he meant it. Motherwell are a strong and physical team, but we have shown over the past season and a bit that we can stand up to all the different challenges that are put in front us.
“We know they are an in-form team. You don’t go up to Aberdeen and beat them 2-0 if you are not a good team.
“They will be going in fresh and really confident and we know it will be a really tough game.”
Tierney will also face old school friend Chris Cadden at the national stadium.
He added: “I saw his interview. He said he wouldn’t be texting me! No, Chris is a good player who has done very well and I think he is closing in on 100 gamesfor the club.
“If he is playing on the right and I am on the left then we could be up against each other, so that would be interesting.
”This was the first trophy the gaffer won for us last year and, unfortunately, I missed it through injury, but I am looking forward to it this time.
“I was gutted to miss the Final, but the team won it and that is all that matters to me.
“Hopefully, I can train well over the next couple of days and be ready for the game.
“At Celtic, that is what it is like, you have a massive game and you don’t really get a break.
“We have travelled back from Paris and we have another massive game on Sunday – it is a Final and a one-off game.
“We will need to recover and do all we can to be ready for that game.
“If anything, we are more determined to win it now, because the fans have been great with us.
“They have paid a lot of money and given up their hard-earned cash to come over to Paris to watch us. They are a great support and we let them down on Wednesday, but everybody gave their all, there is no doubt about that.
“This team always gives their all. Hopefully, we can now repay the fans on Sunday.”
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