At the age of 20, John Kennedy, the Celtic centre-half who many had tipped for greatness and who would be a future Celtic legend took to the field for Scotland against Romania; the nation where the Celtic squad were when the news broke of Kieran Tierney's departure to London. Just 14 minutes into that game Kennedy's playing career was finished; his dreams dashed amidst a harsh challenge from Ionel Ganea. Long, futile attempts to save his career in the subsequent years were undertaken but eventually it was conceded that his playing days were over.

Fifteen years on from that fateful night and a positive result in which Celtic scored an away goal against a talented and tricky opposition, leaving themselves in a great position for the home leg, has been tarnished by the news that the iconic future captain and star left-back Kieran Tierney was on his way to London to sign for Arsenal on the eve of the English Premier League's transfer deadline.

Tierney has only played nine games in this calender year due to various physiological complications. Whether he will pass the medical at the Emirates could also be in doubt. Perhaps this may be the reason he is opting to leave Glasgow and not be part of winning the historic ten. The feel good after Saturday and the potential this side has from middle to front. Who would not want to be part of that?

The past few games have made it clear that if our first choice left back is indeed to go then adequate replacement is required as new recruit Boli Bolingoli has shown himself to be far from good enough to be Celtic left-back.

Having watched KT many times from the seventh row of section 106 many times one cannot doubt his talent but perhaps, maybe in this sliding doors moment, he is opting for one last payday in case his body gives way?

Pints McLaughlin (@PintsMcLaughlin). Randalstown hoops

Posted by voc1967 on Wednesday 07 August 2019 - 21:00:49 | Comments (0)  |