Tierney admits Celtic have been below-par this season

Kieran Tierney has conceded that Celtic have turned in some below-par performances in the early stages of the Scottish Premiership this season.

The Hoops have endured a difficult opening to the campaign and are currently in an unfamiliar position of fifth following high-profile defeats away at Hearts and Kilmarnock.

Tierney has been a key man in Celtic’s wealth of success in recent seasons and admitted that the Hoops have not achieved the standards that have been set in previous times so far this term.

The Scotland international addressed the media as he looked ahead to Celtic’s upcoming Europa League group stage clash with Red Bull Salzburg.

As quoted by BBC Sport, the versatile defender highlighted Celtic’s shortcomings but insisted that efforts are being made to overturn the team’s negative start to the new season.

We know a few performances have been below our normal standards. But, when your standards are that high, there are going to be games like that and, for us, it’s come early on.

Hearts currently lead the way at the top of the Scottish Premiership table but Celtic will be desperate to make up some ground on their title rivals when they face St Johnstone away from home on Sunday.