AJ ON KT'S DNA

Johnston reckons Tierney's Parkhead pedigree as well as his ability mean Celtic are on to a winner

- BY RYAN MCDONALD

IT felt like he had never been away - bombing up and down the left flank, whipping killer crosses into the box and steaming into every tackle like his life depended on it.

No wonder there was such a buzz over Kieran Tierney’s homecoming.

Alistair Johnston knew the Hoops were on to a winner the moment he heard they had lured the defender back from Arsenal.

As a Canadian international, Johnston has shared a dressing room with some top talents, including Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.

But even he has been blown away by the impact Tierney has made - both on and off the pitch.

Johnston said: “It's been great and he’s a big personality.

“That was something we needed with Greg Taylor leaving. Losing him was not only big on the pitch but off the pitch as well.

“Having Kieran come back in is great. He’s talented beyond belief as a footballer and also just a good lad who gets the football club.

“That's another thing that can't be downplayed, how important it is to have people who are born and bred Celtic men.

“Kieran has the DNA to play here. It’s been great to have him in. He’s a great lad and he gets it as a lot of people would say.”

Taylor's switch to PAOK has left manager Brendan Rodgers with a bit of a conundrum.

Ever since Ange Postecoglou's reign, Celtic have relied heavily on their fullbacks. Taylor's specialist role as an inverted fullback became a key part of the system, drifting into midfield to create overloads and dictate play.

That's not Tierney’s natural game. And Johnston is the first to admit it’s not his either.