Kieran Tierney sparks 'I can’t comment on that' answer from Celtic mate as dressing room makes return stance clear

Anthony Ralston insists old Parkhead pal Kieran Tierney would be welcomed back with open arms if Celtic can pull off a stunning reunion.

Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is considering a big push to bring the former star back to the club in January on a loan deal from Arsenal with a view to a permanent deal next summer. Tierney is out of contract at the Emirates at the end of term – with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta opting against triggering a one-year extension clause.

The door has been opened to a sensational second stint at Celtic – where the 27-year-old burst through the ranks before his record breaking £25m move to the English Premier League in 2019. Current left back Greg Taylor’s contract is up at the end of the season and a new deal remains unsigned, while Alex Valle is on loan from Barcelona for the year with no buy option in place.

Ralston was part of the same youth team as Tierney and he insisted Celts would love to have him back on board. He said: “For sure. He is a terrific player. We know him very well. If that is something that comes to the fold then of course. Regardless of his situation and what he decides to do, I am sure it will work out because he is a top player. I wish him all the best in terms of his own situation. If he comes back then that will definitely be the case.”

Ralston admitted there is work to be done to seal the deal for Tierney’s return. But he has no doubt Celtic are in the hunt for an elite player who has proved he can cut it at the very top level. Ralston has known Tierney for almost 20 years and he insisted he knew the defender was going to make the big time from day one. He said: “We went through the academy together. He was only a year older than me. So you are talking when we were