FORMER Celtic striker Chris Sutton rates Kieran Tierney as the best left-back in Britain.
The Scotland international defender added to his growing reputation with a masterclass in the 3-0 win over Aberdeen in midweek that was supplemented with the opening goal when he fired a rasping first-time drive past Joe Lewis.
Sutton, Martin O’Neill’s first signing for the Hoops in the summer of 2000, has no doubts about the youngster’s standing in the UK game.
He said: “If Manchester City are willing to shell out £52 million to Monaco for Benjamin Mendy, Celtic should start the bidding at almost as much for their superkid if anyone comes knocking at their door for a deal.
“Tierney has talent. Anyone can see that. But it’s not just the talent which makes him such a hot property.
“It is his adaptability, his athleticism and his attitude.
“At the age of just 20, I genuinely believe there is no-one from the UK better in his position or with more potential.
“I’m a huge fan of Danny Rose at Tottenham. He is an outstanding left-back for both club and country. Ryan Bertrand is another at Southampton whom I admire greatly.
“Those are the only two from these shores I can put up there.
“Mendy is, of course, top class. City paid the going rate for him and it’s easy to understand why. He was terrific for Monaco, but he’s French.
“Marcus Alonso, at Chelsea, is a superb left-back, but he’s a Spanish international.
“When it comes to the UK, I see Rose, Bertrand and Tierney as the best.
“And, given that Rose is 27 and may only have about five years at the highest level left in him and one less for Bertrand at the age of 28, Tierney has over a decade in the locker.
“That, to me, makes him just as or even-more valuable than that pair.”
