Kieran Tierney is 'world class' as Celtic hero compared with all time Parkhead great
Hoops fans are looking forward to seeing their old favourite in action and there is set to be a flurry of new faces this summer
Tosh McKinlay insists returning hero Kieran Tierney is up there with Tommy Gemmell as one of the all-time Celtic great left-backs.
The former Hoops ace is thrilled to see KT back at Parkhead after almost six years with Arsenal in the English Premier League.
McKinlay is convinced Celtic have landed a world-class full-back in the prime of his career.
And he believes Tierney is already on a par with the Lisbon Lions legend.
McKinlay said: 'We've had some decent left backs over the years, but I think Kieran's right up there with the best of them – Tommy Gemmell being one of them.
'I think you need to defend well, but obviously the other but of the job is getting forward and getting crosses into the box for the strikers.
'So, I'm sure Kieran will be looking forward to marauding up and down the line like he did the last time.
'It's absolutely brilliant to see him back, he's a world-class left-back.
'Obviously, he's had a stint in England, but delighted to have him back.
'It's in the badge, it's in the blood. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in the first game, getting the Hoops back on. Everybody's delighted he's back.
'I'm sure the supporters will be excited about seeing him play for Celtic again.'
McKinlay was delighted Celtic claimed another Double last term and he's convinced Brendan Rodgers will be determined to make the squad even stronger next season.
Tierney is already in the building, youngster Callum Osmand and keeper Ross Doohan are all but confirmed and a deal is close for Swedish star Benjamin Nygren.
Celts are also in the hunt for several others, such as Royal Antwerp's Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Japanese defender Hayato Inamura.
McKinlay said: 'It's the silly season, there are names being thrown out there left right and centre.
'But the one that's confirmed now is Tierney, so that's a very good start as far as I'm concerned.
'We just have to wait and see what Celtic bring in, but I'm sure the manager will be keen to add to the fantastic squad that he's got at the moment.
'It's a position of strength and it's what the manager's always looking to do.
'Certain positions he'll want to strengthen and I'm sure he'll be working hard over the summer to do that.'
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