Tierney looks to Real Madrid legend for inspiration

Kieran Tierney is growing all the time as a player and continues to impress Celtic fans when given a chance.

The 18-year-old played another 90 minutes on Sunday against Dundee United and was voted Man of the Match in the 5-0 win.

Tierney’s break through from the development squad to the first team is a credit to himself as a young defender who isn’t afraid of the big stage. He shone for Celtic once again and went toe-to-toe with Fenerbahce’s star players Van Persie and Nani.

Speaking to the media after helping launch the Celtic Foundation’s Christmas appeal with Jozo Simunovic, the teenager is revelling at the chances he is getting under Ronny Deila.

On the positive words he received from Deila yesterday he said, as quoted by Celtic’s official Twitter account:

It means a lot, and it’s great for him to come out and say it after the game.

Tierney was delighted to be involved against Dundee United in front of the Celtic fans, and after winning a penalty for Celtic’s third goal, the youngster is keen to continue playing well and repay Deila for having faith in him.

I’ve been absolutely delighted with the faith he has put in me. He has thrown me into some big games, which has been great.

Playing in the Europa League was a big step up for me as I had only played three or four first-team matches before that.

Despite being 18-year-old, Tierney has fond memories of one of Real Madrid’s all-time great left-back’s, who also won a World Cup with Brazil in 2002.

I tend to look at older full-backs like Roberto Carlos. He was always attacking, wasn’t afraid to shoot and a great defender.