Kieran Tierney Confirms Celtic Fitness Boost Ahead of Motherwell Clash

Kieran Tierney has handed Celtic a welcome fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s Premiership clash with Motherwell after returning to full training.

The defender withdrew from Scotland duty during the international break to recover from an injury which had troubled him for several weeks.

The decision appears to have paid off, with Tierney confirming that he is fit and available for the trip to Fir Park.

Speaking to Celtic’s official media channel, Tierney said:

“I’m feeling good. I’ve trained this week.”

Tierney had been playing through the problem before the international break, with the opportunity to rest allowing him to recover ahead of a crucial period in Celtic’s season.

His return will be particularly encouraging for Martin O’Neill following a miserable run of results which saw Celtic suffer three consecutive defeats before the international break.

Successive losses to Rangers, either side of a Europa League defeat against Ferencváros, exposed defensive vulnerabilities which O’Neill will be desperate to address.

The Celtic manager is also contending with several fitness concerns, with Cameron Carter-Vickers managing a strain and Yang Hyun-jun encountering difficulties following his involvement with South Korea. It remains to be seen whether Jota will be called upon as he nears match fitness.

Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are also working towards their respective returns, leaving O’Neill with several selection decisions ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Tierney’s availability should provide some much-needed stability as Celtic prepare to face a Motherwell side which has impressed under Alfred Johansson.

The trip to Fir Park represents an opportunity for Celtic to arrest their recent decline and restore some momentum following a difficult period. With domestic and European commitments continuing to place considerable demands on O’Neill’s squad, having Tierney available again is a significant boost.