Kieran Tierney remains the benchmark for Celtic academy graduates, according to Parkhead defender Stephen Welsh. The 21-year-old has come to the fore this term with 14 first-team appearances for the Parkhead side.
Tierney, Scotland’s record signing when he left Celtic for Arsenal almost two years ago in a £25m deal, was exceptional for Steve Clarke’s side last week with performance levels that showcased how much he has further developed in the English top flight.
Welsh was in and around the first-team squad as Tierney was establishing himself as a Celtic senior player and still regards the 23-year-old as an inspirational figure.
“When I first starting training with the senior team he was just breaking through so I had about a season-and-a-half with him and then he was injured a bit towards the end of his time at Celtic,” said the defender.
“It was a great performance [against the Faroes]. He is playing in that left-side of a back three which isn’t his natural position but when he was in the wing-back position his crossing and his passing was unbelievable. You really saw his quality.
“Kieran was in my position when he was younger so he knew what it was all about coming through and he helped all the young boys. He made all the younger player welcome and he led by example with his performances on the training ground and at the weekend in games.
“His work-rate was exceptional. He worked harder than everyone. Everyone at under-20 level has the quality but he worked so hard to get into the first-team and you can see where it has taken him. “It is inspirational and it is down to his work-rate. He has always had the ability but his work and determination has taken him to the next level.
“He likes a physical game. You can see that. Even he is up against taller and bigger player he uses his body really well.”
Meanwhile, Welsh has revealed that John Kennedy, in place until the end of the season following the February departure of Neil Lennon, has had a much more hands on part in his development over the last few months.
“I think the manager is helping me more now as he has a higher role at the club,” he said. “We also have Stephen McManus as well and I also worked with him at revere level.
“I’m very comfortable with both of them, and Gavin as well, as they are excellent with the young players.
“I think it helps that Stephen and John were central defenders themselves. They have been there and done it all. They have had distinguished careers playing in big Champions League matches. “It helps a lot and when they are giving you wee tips and telling you what to do then you can trust them.
“It is just about getting a consistent run of games now.”
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