Tierney 'nothing to prove' over fitness at Celtic

Kieran Tierney does not believe he has anything to "prove" over his fitness as he begins his second spell at Celtic.

The Scotland defender, 28, has joined on a five-year contract, six years after departing for Arsenal.

Tierney has been unavailable for spells over his time both with the Gunners and on loan at Real Sociedad, most recently due to a hamstring injury sustained at last summer's Euros which ruled him out for five months.

"Nah, nothing because I know how much I work professionally with myself, on my body, on my recovery, being as ready as I can be for games," Tierney said in response to a question about proving himself.

"So no, I'm not here to prove anything. I'm just here to do the best for Celtic and see where it goes."

He added: "I still think I have the same work rate and determination, which was always my strong point. I try to carry them everywhere I go.

"No matter my age, what club or what position I play, I just try to give everything. That's what's got me this far."

Tierney came through the Celtic youth academy and made his debut in 2015 aged just 17.

A football love affair followed with the left-back scooping up four league titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups before being lured away to London in 2019.

Therefore it's understandable that when the chance to come back to Celtic arose at the turn of the year, it was a straightforward decision.

"It's probably the easiest signing Celtic have had to make and the easiest decision I had to make," said Tierney.

"He [manager Brendan Rodgers] played a huge part but ultimately it's Celtic. I was always happy with it.

"I've loved playing under the gaffer, played so many games under him, so successful. I'm delighted to be back with him.

"The main part of coming back here was Celtic. It wasn't to be home."

Celtic host Newcastle United in a friendly on Saturday and Tierney admits he probably will feel "nerves".

"It'll be amazing," he said.

"It'll be special day, probably a bit of nerves as well because it's the first time I've done it in so long.

"I've grown up as a player, matured as a person as well so there'll be changes.

"I'll probably take on more of an experienced player role. There's the younger boys in the team that I can help along the way."