OPINION
Celtic might have suffered disappointment over the summer – missing out on their chance to qualify for the Champions League group stages, failing to seal impressive transfer deals and seeing star striker Moussa Dembele depart – but Kieran Tierney certainly thinks there is plenty for the Parkhead faithful to get excited about.
The left back is a firm favourite of the Bhoys and for good reason, with some seriously impressive displays down the left flank and a maturity beyond his years which will have many forgetting he is just 21-years-old.
He also appears to be a glass-half-full kind of personality, expressing his excitement at taking part in the Europa League while admitting his disappointment about missing out on Champions League football.
However, his optimism should come as a real concern to the Celtic faithful, for his bold verdict on the Hoops’ squad is way off the mark.
He told the Daily Record: “There is quality in the squad and in every position, but that is Celtic for you.
“If you are not working hard enough or playing to your best then there will always be somebody else there, waiting to take your place.
“There is no room for complacency at Celtic and that is what makes us a top team and why every Celtic player aspires to be the best we can be.”
While he is right about some positions having quality through and through – the attacking midfield for example, where Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic, James Forrest, Daniel Arzani, Scott Sinclair, Jonny Hayes and Ryan Christie operate – the same cannot be said for others, which poses a real worry for the rest of the season.
For example, what happens if Odsonne Edouard or Leigh Griffiths get injured – something which has already happened to both this season?
Dembele’s exit has left them incredibly light up top, and should a blow sideline either, or worse both, they are going to look pretty toothless.
The same applies at left back – Tierney only backed up by Emilio Izaguirre – while fans have already seen problems arise at centre back.
The Scottish star is obviously being as positive as he can, but if he truly thinks this Celtic squad is good enough to live up to the former sides at Parkhead, then the supporters need to worry if Brendan Rodgers does too.