Kieran Tierney signs new four-year Celtic deal

Kieran Tierney in action against Ross County earlier in the season. Picture: SNS

The 18-year-old started the first game of the current league campaign as Celtic unfurled the Scottish Premiership 2015/16 title winning flag.

Tierney played the first 60 minutes in the champions 2-0 win over Ross County, his third first-team appearance after featuring twice at the tail end of last season.

The left-sided player refused to be intimidated by the occasion and was one of Celtic’s better performers on the day.

It was a terrifically quick turnaround for the youngster who suffered a broken leg in training at the turn of the year. And he’s now been rewarded further with a four-year deal.

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Tierney said: “The setbacks make the success all the better. After having the 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 leg-break 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 as well. I have a lot to thank them for, running me up and down to training for years, so this is reward for them as well.

“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.”