**Neil Lennon has endorsed the rumoured Celtic return for Kieran Tierney but warned that the player’s condition may not be the same as it was when he left five and a half years ago.** The 27-year-old will leave Arsenal in the summer after the opted against extended his contract.
In the hours after Tierney started in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in the League Cup it emerged that Arsenal would not take up their option and Celtic were keen on a sensational return.
Speaking to PLZ Soccer, Celtic legend Lennon said that Celtic should sign the player and the opportunity to play regularly would appeal to the fullback.
“He went off injured on Tuesday night, but it might have just been cramp.
“Listen, if Kieran was available, you’d have to sign him. I just wonder about what strength and condition he is at the moment. There’s no doubting his quality as a player.
“He’s on high money as well at Arsenal, but I’m sure he’s desperate to go out and play regularly, but he’s had such a difficult time with injuries.”
Tierney has been unlucky with injuries and requires time and maybe even a full pre-season before being expected to return to regular game time. A manager that knows and trusts him would be ideal in the moment that Tierney finds himself and Brendan would be that. It is clear that the pair stay in touch, having been pictured at a Foundation Event in London.
Lennon was the Celtic manager tasked with replacing Tierney, opting to sign Boli Bolingoli and Greg Taylor. Fortunately, the latter proved to be a shrewd signing, going on to become a key figure in the squad in recent seasons. Brendan has said that he hopes that Taylor will sign a new deal but Celtic will certainly be looking at a deal for Tierney, which would increase Celtic’s Scottish contingency within the squad and improve the quality.