OPINION
Former Celtic star Paul Lambert had the audacity to throw down a gauntlet for defender Kieran Tienery by raving about his international rival Andy Robertson.
The current Stoke City manager gushed about Liverpool’s Robertson before comparing him to the Hoops’ golden boy Tierney.
“I have been impressed with Kieran Tierney and he is held in very high regard but I just think at the minute that Robertson has really kicked on again,” said Lambert, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“I think it is good for Scotland that you have that.
“Having a guy who potentially has the experience of winning the Champions League in your squad can only be a good thing, while Tierney is still exceptionally young.
“The first-team experience that he has got will stand him in good stead and it is up to him now just how far he wants to go.”
While Lambert was thrilled that both talented left-backs were Scottish and competing regularly for a first-team spot in their favoured position for Scotland, he inadvertently foolishly challenged Tienery.
The experienced manager, who played 193 times for the Hoops in his playing career, implied that it was just desire that could hold Tienery back from achieving great things, by saying it’s up to him.
The 20-year-old is an immense talent and has already shown his willingness to work hard to succeed in football.
It’s not like the Hoops accidentally tied Tienery to the club until 2023, when they got him to sign a long-term contract, the Glaswegian giants know they have a player who will do everything he can to be among the world’s elite.
Tienery has excelled in the 127 appearances he has made for the Hoops in his career so far, and is one of only a few players this season, who you can always guaranteed a good performance from.
The reason the left-back always delivers the goods for Brendan Rodgers isn’t because of talent, it’s due to his willingness to showcase his ability at every opportunity he has.
This is clear indication of Tienery’s desire to the best possible version of himself, so he’s already proven that his attitude won’t be a problem and that he will stop him from reaching the pinnacle of football.
Therefore Lambert is beyond foolish to even accidentally challenge the 20-year-old, as the defender has all the tools to prove himself sooner rather than later.
So instead of waiting around to impress the Premier League manager and have him rate the Hoops defender higher than Robertson, Tierney should immediately respond by showing everything he has to offer in Celtic’s next game against Hearts on Sunday.
As Lambert will quickly see that Tierney is not only practically on Robertson’s level, his desire and willingness to improve shouldn’t be remotely questioned.