Celtic

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Kieran Tierney is returning to Celtic. After agreeing a pre-contract with his boyhood club, the Arsenal defender will wear his beloved green and white hoops once again.

But away from the romance and hysteria of the Scotland left-back's stunning return in the summer, what player is Brendan Rodgers actually getting six years after his exit to London?

First thing's first, Celtic are getting a hell of a player.

Although he isn't first pick, the fact Mikel Arteta used Tierney against Manchester United and rivals Tottenham last month shows the Arsenal boss feels he is still good enough to play at the very highest level.

In his only start this season, a 3-2 League Cup win over Crystal Palace, Tierney registered 63 touches, completed 38 of his 47 passes, created a chance and won all of his duels.

At his best for the London club, Tierney was one of the top full-backs in a league many regard as the world's best in terms of both quality and drama.

Some Arsenal fans saw the Celtic youth product as a future captain, but he fell out of favour with Arteta after the arrivals of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Limited game time meant a season-long loan move to Real Sociedad, where Tierney played 20 times last term as the La Liga side finished sixth in Spain's top flight.

At international level, he has shown he is one of Scotland's most important players. Steve Clarke's team just doesn't function the same without him.

And at 27, his peak years could be on the way. That thought should quite rightly excite the Celtic support.

But a cloud of uncertainly that hangs over is packed with injury worries that have mounted up since his Parkhead exit.

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Tierney has only played 108 minutes of football this season after returning from a serious hamstring injury suffered at the Euros in the summer.

Last term he played 1,483 minutes for Sociedad, the equivalent of about 16 full 90-minute matches. The season before was almost exactly the same.

According to Transfermarkt, external, he has endured 11 spells of absence since leaving Celtic, amounting to 94 games missed for club and country.

That's the equivalent of two-and-a-half seasons of Scottish Premiership football.

It's fair to assume he will be returning to become one of Celtic's top earners, which is of course a risk given his injury record, but a fit-and-firing Tierney undoubtedly improves Rodgers' side at Champions League level.

And that is no slight on Greg Taylor, whose future remains uncertain with the 27-year-old's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Taylor, who has won as many Premiership titles as Tierney, continues to be dependable for Celtic, but he has reservations over becoming a rotation player after making himself first-choice left-back.

If he stays, Taylor could ease the load on Tierney if his minutes need to be restricted, giving Rodgers two excellent options.

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Celtic will face Hibs in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers' men beat Raith Rovers 5-0 in the fifth round to earn themselves a place in the quarters.

For Hibs, they beat Ayr 1-0 on Friday evening to earn themselves a place in the quarters.

The ties will be played on the weekend of Saturday 8 March.

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Bayern Munich won't be an entirely unknown quantity to Celtic's players on Wednesday night, as right-back Alistair Johnston prepares to face compatriot Alphonso Davies.

The pair play for Canada and Johnston is all too aware of the qualities that Davies - who has amassed over 200 appearances for Bayern since joining in 2018 - possesses.

"It's one of those ones where you look at their squad and it's players of Fonzie's quality," Johnston said. "I've obviously trained against him and played with him with our national team plenty of times. And it's a different level.

"He's a truly world-class player. I think he was in the world's best XI when he was 19 years old and a Champions League winner, multi-time Bundesliga winner.

"You just see his level in training and you realise that it's 18 more guys like that."

Both full-backs have made over 50 appearances for the Canucks, but it is Davies who holds the title of Canada's youngest-ever player, making his international debut at 16.

"Just in terms of his physicality, his physical traits are unbelievable," Johnston said. "And then you match in how quick his feet are and how he sees the game, his football IQ, everything.

"I've always been really impressed by training with him and just seeing the game through his eyes.

"Teams will double-team him and he's the left-back for our national team. It's unheard of, but when we play games in CONCACAF, they'll do that and often they'll send their best winger on to my side.

"I get that, it's a mismatch against Fonzie, so they try and pick on me instead. It's something that comes with the territory, but he's a super-talented player.

"And again, that's what Bayern Munich is all about. They are going to have a lot of those players."

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Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan thinks the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich could be "a blessing in disguise" for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Sheridan also suggested that a tie against Vincent Kompany's Bayern side is preferable to the alternative - a game against Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid.

The German giants travel to Parkhead on Wednesday night in the first leg of the Champions League play-off tie.

"The Dortmund game could prove to be a blessing in disguise at this stage," Sheridan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Where they know the perils of going away and playing like that and what can happen against teams of that level.

"So maybe that kind of gives a little bit of a lesson, but ultimately I think it was the better of the two draws.

"I was kind of looking at it and thinking, would you prefer to play a team coached by Ancelotti or by Vincent Kompany? You feel like Brendan would have the upper hand over Vincent Kompany."

Sheridan also believes Adam Idah is going to have a very important part to play on Wednesday night in light Kyogo Furuhashi's departure and Daizen Maeda's suspension.

"I think Adam Idah is going to play a big role in it," he added.

"I think he's looked very good since he scored those goals against Aston Villa. And I think he's actually starting to score instinctive finishes.

"I think it's probably given him a little bit more hope, his recent form."

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Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic have "earned the right" to be in the Champions League last 16.

The Parkhead club host Bayern Munich on Wednesday night before travelling to Germany for the second leg.

Celtic go into the game off the back of a 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over Raith Rovers but will be without Daizen Maeda who is suspended for the game.

"It'll be an amazing game to look forward to," the Celtic manager said.

"We earned the right to play the game so we'll have 60,000 super-charged souls in here on Wednesday night and I can't wait for it.

"It's a big test for us, a big challenge but we'll look to bring our very best game and see what happens.

"We play at home, we always feel with the support, and especially how we've done this year in the competition, how we've been progressing at this level, we will give everything we can.

"We know we're playing against a top team with top players but we want to always make it really difficult for every team we play against."

Celtic were keen to bring Kieran Tierney's free transfer forward to January, but the 27-year-old Scotland defender and Arsenal decided together he would remain with Mikel Arteta's squad until the summer despite his lack of game time. (The Athletic), external

Kyogo Furuhashi's agent, Joel Pannick, says the 30-year-old had clubs from all over the world expressing an interest in his services, but the Japan striker joined Rennes from Celtic to improve his World Cup selection chances despite more lucrative contracts offered elsewhere. (The Times), external

Bayern Munich have been dealt an injury blow with £47.5m Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha set to miss the Champions League showdown with Celtic. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Celtic fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers.

Here's what some of you had to say:

John: We were expected to take this tie with ease and duly did so. I like the look of Dane Murray, there's something about him. Looks like he has a touch of class about him.

Michael: Another great performance. Raith had decent spells in defending but the Celtic train was too much for them. I think Bayern Munich are in for a shock when they come to Parkhead, I can't see anything but a Celtic win.

Bear: The first time a "second string" has showed up well when given an opportunity. I always felt Daizen Maeda was a better player than Kyogo Furuhashi, but lived in his shadow, now we are seeing the real him. A wonderful player and maybe the people berating the club for not replacing Kyogo should take note, the answer was there all along, 20-plus goals and counting.

Gordy: Daizen is possibly one of our best signings in recent years. His commitment to the team and professionalism is second to none. Another fine performance from him and the team as a whole, no let up in the quest for another treble. Hopefully we can get something against Bayern and show we have grown in Europe, well played tonight

Patrick: Decent use of the squad and everyone performed well, I expect a totally different squad midweek. Thrilled for Maeda to be scoring so freely and nice for Viljami Sinisalo to have a chance in goal. Hoping for a nice draw for the next round.

Owen: Maeda has been a standout for Celtic since he signed but his recent form has been captivating. His off the ball work is one of the best in world football but sometimes on the ball his touch has let him down in the past. Recently that looks to have changed for the better and he is getting the goals and assists to prove it.

Daizen Maeda took his Celtic tally to 50 goals as his hat trick helped the much-changed holders into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with a comfortable 5-0 win over Raith Rovers.

Brendan Rodgers brought nine players into the starting line-up but it was very much business as usual as Celtic extended their unbeaten home run to 32 matches - one shy of the mark reached by Gordon Strachan's vintage of 2007.

Second-half goals from Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-Jun had Celtic well in command before Maeda completed his hat-trick late on from McCowan's fine assist.

The Japanese attacker, who scored twice before the break to dull the Championship visitors' resistance, now has 21 goals for the season.

An able deputy, perhaps, for departed compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi, having now rattled in six in his last three games.

Celtic fans, were you at Parkhead on Saturday or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the game.

Have your say, external

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Games like this can be tricky if the attitude is not right, no matter what talent you've got. It's a huge testament to the players in terms of how hard they worked in the game right from the beginning to play to the level they did.

"We knew we'd be expected to get through. The focus today was on the performance level, we made nine changes and we still wanted to attack the game well.

"To do that you have to be really concentrated and focused and we could see that in the team right the way through. The goals were excellent, you wouldn't know we've made nine changes."

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A hat trick for Daizen Maeda who impressed in a Celtic jersey once again. That's now 21 goals for the season for the Japan international.

Celtic have begun working on a deal to sign Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden in the summer. (Football Insider), external

The decision to sell Kyogo Furuhashi without a replacement striker lined up was an "unnecessary risk" and "a major disappointment", says former Celtic player and pundit Chris Sutton. (Daily Record), external

David Strelec, linked with Celtic last month, was given "permission to transfer for a while", says Slovan Bratislava manager Vladimir Weiss, before adding: "then it stopped and then it didn't happen." (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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Brendan Rodgers admits the impending summer return of Kieran Tierney is "an issue" for Greg Taylor as the current left-back considers whether to extend his Celtic stay.

Taylor's deal expires at the end of the season and Celtic have already reached agreement with Tierney to return to the club when his contract at Arsenal runs out.

"I've had a number of open conversations with Greg on it," manager Rodgers said of Tierney's return. "And I do think that is an issue. There's no doubt about that.

"He's been a starter here for six years, he's held up to the challenges that have come in, he knows Kieran well and his qualities.

"There can be room for two of them here. You're playing upward of 55 games a season, you can't play one player and I wouldn't want to.

"To have two players of that quality here would be brilliant for the club, the team and the changing room.

"That's the thing Greg has to think about. I don't see it as a problem because I know he'll play a lot of games, he'll play in big games. But he has to decide that for himself."

Reports this week, external claimed Taylor has agreed a pre-contract with Dinamo Zagreb, but Rodgers said: "No, not that I'm aware of. I know there was interest there back in January.

"But it was nothing that was ever concrete or spoken about too much. My feelings will be still to hope to convince Greg to be here. Of course, as time goes on, the longer it goes on, then that becomes much less."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media as he prepares for Saturday's Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers.

Here are the main points:

• Rodgers is relieved that Celtic supporters will be able to attend the Champions League play-off second leg at Bayern Munich after the club avoided a ban.

• It is "good the news has come out now so we can concentrate on the football", and Rodgers adds: "The support that we get and the passion that they have for the game, that really drives us and helps us. So to have them there, it's going to be great and we'll need them."

• Kasper Schmeichel will miss Saturday's cup tie because of a back injury - Vilijami Sinisalo will come in - but Rodgers says the Dane will be fit for Wednesday's Champions League first leg.

• On Greg Taylor, who is out of contract in the summer, Rodgers says there was interest in January but he is still hopeful of convincing the left-back to sign an extension.

• The Celtic boss admits Kieran Tierney's summer arrival has played a part in Taylor's reluctance to sign a new deal. But Rodgers guarantees his current left-back's game-time wouldn't be significantly diminished even when Tierney arrives.

• Jeffery Schlupp, who made his debut against Dundee on Wednesday, is going to "fit in perfectly" even though Rodgers concedes the club didn't expect to lose Alex Valle in the January window.

• On VAR, Rodgers says: "There's a number of things that fit around it. There's clearly a funding issue in terms of maybe not having the best system in place. Everyone would love a big house but if you can't afford it you can't get it, so then you have to adapt and deal with it. I think it's the same with officiating."

• He agrees with St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson's suggestion of full-time referees but adds "for that to happen you need funding".

• On Raith Rovers, Rodgers is expecting a tough, competitive match but is making sure his team just "play our game".

Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Queen's Park and Raith Rovers go up against the Old Firm and both are away from home, so it may be a question of 'take the money and run', hoping that the scorelines can be kept respectable.

Celtic will have one eye on Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-offs and Rovers can take heart from the fight Falkirk put up against Brendan Rodgers' B team in the League Cup before Nicolas Kuhn came on to terrorise them.

The Kirkcaldy side also have very special League Cup final memories against Celtic - although that was more than 30 years ago now and Rodgers has a Scottish Cup record of played 18, won 18.

Read all the Scottish Cup picks

Scott Brown recalls his famous celebration after scoring Celtic's Scottish Cup equaliser at Ibrox in a 2-2 Old Firm derby draw in 2011.

Watch Brown's Ayr United host Hibs in the Scottish Cup fifth round tonight on BBC Scotland from 19:30 GMT.

Celtic full-back Greg Taylor has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Dinamo Zagreb at the end of the season. (Sportnet via Daily Record, external)

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There's a constituency among the Celtic support that believes the club have really missed a trick by not pushing the boat out to replace departed striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

A failure of vision, strategy, ambition, is how they see it. A failure of recruitment which manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant will be addressed going forward.

If Celtic knew last summer the Japan striker wanted to leave, surely groundwork could have been done to source an adequate replacement by the end of January?

I have a lot of sympathy with that view. Indeed, on this very page last week I opined this was the prime time for the blazers to stick their necks out, as well as the chequebook.

Didn't happen. Yet I find myself wondering if the Parkhead garden is not still pretty rosy? Could Celtic actually be just as strong, if not stronger, despite the admitted failure to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Kyogo?

The answer lies with Jota. Despite the fact the club are fairly well off for wingers, the return of the Portuguese fan favourite has raised the bar yet higher in terms of quality on offer to the manager.

Jota may not score as many goals as Kyogo but he will create them for others. In two short cameos already, he has contributed a goal, an assist and the kind of quality deliveries from out wide that Celtic have been missing.

For all their fine play, assists and goals, I'm not sure Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn cross a ball as well as the new number seven. The former two are more likely to cut infield in search of goals, as their stats indicate - 35 between them this season already. It really is a remarkable number.

Rodgers' ability to rotate arguably the three best wingers in the country is a fearsome weapon. In the absence of Kyogo, the manager can also say to the striker he paid £9m for in the previous transfer window: "Right then, Adam. Show me you're the main man up front."

Idah has scored four goals in his last three games. Two of them away to Aston Villa in the Champions League.

Rodgers may privately lament the lack of the new striker he coveted but he has returned one of the most gifted players in the Premiership.

As a direct consequence, others are flourishing alongside him. Yes, Kyogo is gone, but are Celtic really weaker than they were at the start of January?

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Fourteen years on, it's still a game that takes the breath away.

Walter Smith's Rangers welcomed bitter rivals Celtic to Ibrox with a place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup at stake.

If only what followed was so straightforward.

Teenage midfielder Jamie Ness set the tone with a superb strike from distance a little over two minutes in, before Celtic's Kris Commons levelled 15 minutes later.

Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster had a day to forget in Govan. Not long after nearly gifting a goal to Rangers via Steven Davis - whose shot cannoned off the crossbar - he conceded a penalty and was shown a red card for bringing down Steven Naismith.

Steven Whittaker did the business from the spot to fire the hosts back in front with a man advantage, too. Not for long, though.

After a spell of pressure, captain Scott Brown curled in an effort from distance to haul Celtic level once more.

Davis and Nikica Jelavic came close, but the winner couldn't be found.

Level on the scoreboard, the sides were level on numbers too when Naismith was shown a red card after two yellows.

After a captivating cup clash, the sides couldn't be split and to a replay they went. More red card mayhem followed in that 'shame game', with Rangers having three players sent off as Mark Wilson's strike sent Celtic through 1-0.