Kieran Tierney has Ally McCoist raving about vital new Arsenal role as blown away fans all say the same thing

Kieran Tierney may be closing on a sensational return to Celtic. But the left-back could still have a part to play at Arsenal for the rest of this season.

The Scotland star, 27, wants to re-join his boyhood club this summer and talks are ongoing over a pre-contract after the Gunners decided against triggering a 12-month extension clause. KT has been out of the picture at the Emirates and spent last term on loan with La Liga high-flyers Real Sociedad. Yet despite being told he has no long-term future in North London, the defender has surprisingly forced his way back into the fold over the last month, making three appearances.

He was given an incredible ovation by the Arsenal faithful after being called upon for the final minutes of last week's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. And tonight, home punters went crazy for him again as he marked his first Premier League appearance since May 2023 by coming off the bench in the 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

However, while supporters were thrilled to see the popular £25m man earn some more minutes, eyebrows were raised as Tierney replaced match-winning hero Leandro Trossard as a left WINGER. And he almost grabbed an instant assist, brilliantly picking out the unmarked Martin Odegaard in the box, only for the Norwegian superstar to drag his effort wide. It proved a masterstroke by Mikel Arteta too, as the injury-ravaged Gunners held on to emerge with the North London derby bragging rights.

But the wildcard sub still caught the Gooners by surprise, with one fan writing on X: "Kieran Tierney at left-wing was not in my bingo card." With key duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both crocked, another punter wrote: "Kieran Tierney at LW... Oi we need attackers man."