Celtic star Kieran Tierney has revealed a hilarious story about first meeting Neil Lennon after the Northern Irish boss returned to the Parkhead dugout.
The former Hoops manager took charge of the Bhoys once again after Brendan Rodgers’ departure, taking the vacant spot in the dugout until the end of the season.
Having been a youngster among the academy during his manager’s first spell in charge, Tierney revealed how he would ask for photos with Lennon and insists that is a tale he will not be bringing up to him now he is among the first team with the ex Hibernian boss in charge again.
He told the Scottish Sun: “To have a manager who knows Celtic, the game and the league so well made it a lot easier for us.
“When I was coming through the academy, he was manager in his first spell. I was dead nervous around him and I’d ask for pictures with him. He’s not mentioned it and he won’t remember me from those days. And I won’t bring it up either?.?.?.?I’d just embarrass myself.
“I’m buzzing he’s here. He’s a great manager and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Opinion
Both Tierney and Lennon are Celtic through and through, so it is no surprise to hear that Tierney was awestruck when he came across the manager during his first stint in the dugout. Of course a lot has changed since then, not least the fact that the Hoops defender is now one of the first names on the team sheet, and it is more likely that youngsters in the youth system are asking for photos with him now. Lennon was obviously an influential figure during the left back’s development and so to have him back at the club as manager should ensure that he continues to play at the very best of his capabilities. Still, he cannot assume that just because he has been first choice for so long and that Lennon knows what he is capable of that he will keep his place among the starting XI if standards slip. The manager is a stickler for detail and will demand nothing but the best from everyone at Parkhead for as long as he is in charge.