Kieran Tierney 'ready' for Celtic return as Maeda turns DEFENDER to show he can do it all - Parkhead news bulletin

Kieran Tierney is reportedly 'ready' to return to Celtic - and could even do it on the cheap as his Arsenal contract ticks down.

The Hoops hero has had a rough couple of years with injury and is back at Arsenal after an ill-fated loan spell with Real Sociedad. He's yet to play this season as he fights back from his latest setback but faces a struggle to get into the team under Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners challenging at the top of the Premier League.

A potential return to Celtic has been talked up and while there are several hurdles that must be cleared before it's a realistic prospect, it has once again edged closer. He's into the final 18 months on his contract in North London, and TBR Football report that he has decided the time may be right to move back to Glasgow. It's claimed he is 'open' to it and that Arsenal are open to loaning him out. But with Greg Taylor and Alex Valle currently available and competing for minutes, it's not a luxury Celtic are in desperate need of as things stand.

Elsewhere Daizen Maeda insists he's happy with his new role in international football with Japan using him as a wing back. Maeda has been in sensational form for the Hoops this season and has already scored seven goals this season in 11 games for club and country. But he's been used deeper for his country than Celtic deploy him and the 26-year-old insists he's happy to help out defending too.

He said: "I personally think that when we play three defenders at the back as we are doing now, I am most happy as a wing back. I prefer being out wider than in the middle.

"I think my strengths are my ability to push forward and drop back too, so I think that's where I'm at my best. And being able to play in many different positions will