The sudden exit of Brendan Rodgers has to be a massive blow for Celtic who uplifted their game and maintained absolute supremacy in Scottish football. But the show must go on, and the re-appointment of Neil Lennon in an interim role defines their ambition to conquer a third successive ‘treble treble’ knocking down age-old rivals Rangers.
But the Parkhead outfit are sweating over the future of a string of star individuals who are rumoured to reunite with Rodgers at Leicester once the season concludes. Left-back Kieran Tierney is undoubtedly one of them due to his remarkable upsurge under the Northern Irishman.
The player, however, has played down the transfer talks when asked about the same in a recent interview and insisted that the speculations don’t take his mind off Celtic even though he is a great admirer of Rodgers’ influence and contribution in Scottish football over the past two-and-a-half years.
“I’ve been on the end of speculation for a few transfer windows so it’s nothing different for me. It doesn’t take my mind off Celtic.
“We thank him for all he has done as he has helped me become a much better player and professional.
“The standards he set changed football up here. What we achieved over the time he was here was crazy but there is no point in dwelling on the past. We need to look forward.”
The above quote is by the left back (as quoted by Daily Record) who has made significant strides at Parkhead after Rodgers’ arrival and have been linked to several English sides for his immense impact down the left-hand side of the pitch.
Yet his statement won’t console the Celtic fans who are aware of Manchester City’s interest in Leicester fullback Ben Chilwell. Rodgers could raid his former club if Chilwell departs and might be tempted to rope in Tierney to succeed the Englishman.
He is young, dynamic, offers a massive threat going forward with overlapping runs, crosses and link-up play using the width of the pitch. Moreover, the player has injected more balance to his game by improving his defensive work rate – something Rodgers has worked on tirelessly to minimise his weaknesses.
Celtic have persistently produced and nurtured young prospects over the years who eventually made their mark in England with several top-notch Premier League outfits. The 21-year-0ld has got everything to join the list and a move, sooner or later, is inevitable irrespective of his latest comments.
