Tierney signs long-term deal at Celtic

Celtic have secured youth product Kieran Tierney, CelticFC reports.

The talented 18-year-old signed a four-year deal with the club after breaking into the first-team squad on the opening day of the season.

His first competitive debut came against Dundee in a 2-1 win back in April. The youngster made a second-half substitute appearance for the Hoops and hasn’t looked back since.

After an impressive pre-season for the Hoops, Deila rewarded Tierney with his first competitive start came on the opening day of this season. The youngster impressed the Celtic faithful at left-back, after an injury to Mulgrew and suspension for Izaguirre gave the Scottish teenager his opportunity.

Success wasn’t going to be easy for Tierney, who suffered a broken leg at the beginning of the year. If anything his meteoric rise to make the first-team bench regularly from such a horrific injury shows what a determined and great talent Celtic have in their ranks.

The youth academy graduate spoke to official website after putting pen to paper.

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

“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.

Tierney has relished working under manager Ronny Deila, and having signed a new contract he wants to repay the Norwegian’s faith in his ability by continuing to develop and work hard on the training ground.

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

“Now I have got the contract, I can’t take the foot off the gas. You just need to keep going at 100 per cent, trying to perform well and taking chances when they come.

“If anything it makes you want to work harder that you have a new contract. The manager has given me it and I want to show why I deserve it.”