TIERNEY SIGNS FOUR-YEAR DEAL

The  18-year-old left-back, who has made three first team appearances, has impressed Ronny Deila enough to earn a longer term deal with the champions.

Tierney, a lifelong Hoops fan, made his debut in April when he came on as an 81st minute substitute to replace Emilio Izaguirre against Dundee.

The following month he played the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw at McDiarmid Park against St Johnstone.

And he was in position for the curtain-raiser to the season against Ross County at the start of the month.

Tierney said: “I’m delighted. I have been here 11 years already so to get a good contract for another few years, at least, is fantastic. I’m happy to commit my future to the club I love.

“The setbacks make the success all the better. After having a leg-beak and to get back to where I am just now is brilliant and I’m grateful for everything.

“There are so many people I have to thank.I have to thank all the coaching staff and the phyisos, especially when I had my broken leg as they spent a lot of time with me and did everything they could to get me back in time and fully fit.

“My family and friends are delighted. They are all season ticket holders and will be buzzing, as well, and knowing you have done your family proud makes you feel proud, too. I have a lot to thank them for, running me up and down to training for years, so this is also a reward for them.

“Near the end of the season I played two games and then starting on Flag Day in front of a big crowd was a dream. If you had told me at this point last season that I would be starting on the next Flag Day, I would have laughed at you.

“But now that’s it actually happened, I’m hungry for more games, so I will keep working hard as always.”

Tierney was also full of praise for Hoops boss Ronny Deila and vowed to repay the Norwegian by continuing to improve his game.

He added: “He put faith in me, because an 18-year-old starting on Flag Day doesn’t happen often.

“I have a lot to thank him for and all I can do is repay his faith in me.

“The way he wants the full-backs to play is how I like to play, getting up and down during the game and putting crosses in, so it’s good that his philosophy suits my style.”