Cautious Celtic manager keeping close eye on KT’s fitness

The left-back has struggled with multiple injuries over the course of his career at both Celtic and Arsenal. Tierney is expected to make his first appearance since rejoining Celtic when the Hoops face Estrela da Amadora in a closed-door friendly in Portugal this Saturday.

Celtic have already secured back-to-back victories against Queens Park and then Cork City so far during their pre-season campaign.

Ahead of this weekend’s match against the top-flight Portuguese side, Rodgers addressed KT’s first spell at Celtic and his injury worries. Speaking in Daily Record, he said: “Kieran was fantastic in my first time here.”

“He’s gone away and gained a lot of experience and maturity. We also want to manage him because he’s had a lot of troubles in his fitness history over the last few years, but it’s great to have him back.”

“You see that power and I know he’s so excited about being back. Like I say, he’s only in the building, but he’s going to get up to speed. You see that competitiveness that he has and he’s doing really well.”

Tierney, along with several other first-team Celtic players, was absent from Tuesday night’s friendly against Cork City.

Meanwhile, Shin Yamada has reportedly finalised his transfer to Celtic and is set to join the Hoops after completing his duties with the Japanese national squad. The Kawasaki Frontale striker is considered the latest J-League talent to catch Celtic’s attention, following in the footsteps of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Kyogo.

Rodgers is pursuing a £1.5 million deal for the 25-year-old to strengthen the squad’s attacking options alongside Adam Idah, joining Callum Osmand who arrived earlier in the window from Fulham.

Conor Spence