Tosh McKinlay excited by return of 'world-class' Kieran Tierney to Celtic

Tosh McKinlay says the sight of “world-class” Kieran Tierney in green and white hoops again will have Celtic supporters excited for next season.

The 28-year-old Scotland defender has returned to Parkhead after six years in the English Premier League with Arsenal.

Former Hoops star McKinlay, who played in the same position as Tierney, is looking forward to seeing someone he rates very highly gracing the Celtic Park pitch once again by marauding down the wing and “playing for the badge”.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Taxi To Troon charity event in Glasgow, where he was representing the club and handing over a £7,000 cheque from the Celtic Foundation, he said: “As far as I am concerned Kieran (Tierney) is a world class player and I am really looking forward to seeing him getting the hoops back on, and I’m sure the supporters are as well.

“When he’s marauding up and down that left hand side, it will be fantastic.

“He’s obviously had a spell in England and done very well, but I think he has always been looking to get back to Celtic Park, and everyone is looking forward to seeing him back in the strip again.

“It’s in his blood, and it means a bit more when you’re playing for the badge.”

Greg Taylor has been Celtic’s first choice left-back for the last five seasons, but his future is currently uncertain, with his contract coming to an end this month.

He has been linked with a move abroad, but McKinlay is still holding out hope that he will decide to stay and compete with Tierney for the position.

“Special mention to Greg, I think he’s been fantastic over the years and obviously it’s still to be confirmed if he will be staying or going, but it would be great if he stayed and give Kieran some competition for that left back spot.

“He has been fantastic over this period of five or six years, and I’m sure he’ll be wanting to stay as well.”