Kieran Tierney experienced an “emotional” comeback to Celtic Park during Saturday’s friendly against Newcastle United, with the loudest cheer in a 4-0 triumph reserved for the defender.
The 28-year-old Scotland international entered the pitch 10 minutes into the second half, having made his last home appearance for the Scottish champions on 6 April 2019.
Back at his original team after six years with Arsenal, he told Celtic TV: “Amazing. I didn’t know what to expect but that was just brilliant. What a feeling.
“I was quite emotional actually, running on to the park like that. It was a great day for me.”
Tierney, who secured four league titles, two Scottish Cups, and two League Cups in his initial stint, assisted the fourth goal when he delivered a cross for Liam Scales to head home after playing a one-two with Reo Hatate.
“They’re a great team so it just shows the quality that we have got,” he added. “When we play like that we can give anyone a game. Some of the goals we scored were brilliant.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers brought Tierney on just moments before making another 10 substitutions.
“I wanted him to get a specific welcome back,” he explained. “Just to get him back here at his age where he could easily be playing at the top end of the Premier League, to get a player of that level and that desire to play for Celtic is amazing for us.
“So, it was a great moment and another connection with him and the support.
“And then you see when he’s on there, he’s playing against Anthony Elanga, who’s a brilliant signing for Newcastle.
“But Kieran’s got pace and power. And then you see how he created the goal with that explosive speed and the quality.”