Tierney Shines in Emotional Celtic Park Return

Kieran Tierney's emotional return to Celtic Park was the highlight of Saturday's friendly against Newcastle United, with the defender receiving the biggest cheer in Celtic's 4-0 victory.

The 28-year-old Scotland international made his first appearance at Celtic Park since April 6, 2019, entering the match 10 minutes into the second half. After six years with Arsenal, the left-back expressed his joy at returning to his boyhood club.

"Amazing. I didn't know what to expect but that was just brilliant. What a feeling," Tierney told Celtic TV. "I was quite emotional actually, running on to the park like that. It was a great day for me."

Tierney, who previously won four league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups with Celtic, made an immediate impact by assisting the fourth goal. His clever one-two with Reo Hatate and subsequent cross set up Liam Scales' headed finish.

"They're a great team so it just shows the quality that we have got," Tierney added. "When we play like that we can give anyone a game. Some of the goals we scored were brilliant."

Manager Brendan Rodgers specifically timed Tierney's introduction to maximize the emotional moment before making multiple substitutions.

"I wanted him to get a specific welcome back," Rodgers explained. "To get a player of that level and that desire to play for Celtic is amazing for us. It was a great moment and another connection with him and the support."

The manager also praised Tierney's performance against Newcastle's Anthony Elanga, highlighting the defender's "pace and power" and noting how his "explosive speed and quality" created Celtic's final goal.