KIERAN Tierney may, with just one European appearance for Celtic to his name, be lacking in practical experience of continental competition.
Yet, the 18-year-old has certainly sampled the unique atmosphere of major Champions League and Europa League nights at Parkhead in the past.
Indeed, he was on the field when the side managed by Neil Lennon recorded what was an improbable and unforgettable 2-1 win over Barcelona back in 2012.
“I was the ballboy here that night,” said Kiernan. “I was behind the goal when Victor Wanyama scored at the corner. That is my favourite European memory. You can’t look past that. It’s up there.”
It is an indication of how quickly the promising and skilful young defender has progressed that now, just three years later, he is optimistic he will be involved in a similar occasion with Celtic at the same venue.
Tierney is hoping, after impressing enormously in his first team run-outs this term, to be given the chance to start in the Europa League game against Molde at Celtic Park on Thursday evening.
The Group A fixture against the Norwegian club may not be quite as glamorous an encounter as the one he witnessed at such close quarters back in 2012. Nevertheless, it remains enticing prospect.
“You would never have thought at that point that I would have played for the club in Europe by now,” he said. “I was still at school when that Barcelona game took place. To then be playing in European game three years later feels incredible.
“It’s what I wanted, but you might never think it will happen. You just need to keep believing and working hard. If you do that and the manager believes in you, then you will get a chance.”
Tierney’s rapid emergence has led to him having to deal with what must, for one so young, be the unusual experience of being asked to sign autographs and pose for photographs with supporters.
However, having stood in the cold and the rain outside the front door of Celtic Park himself after games in the past hoping to grab a brief moment with one of his heroes he is happy to give fans his time.
“I don’t mind it if the fans want pictures or autographs,” he said. “It’s actually a good thing because when you are younger that’s what you want. You want people to know who you are and that you play for Celtic.
“I was out there all the time when I was younger. I would be trying to get autographs and pictures with the likes of Henrik Larsson and Bobo Balde.
“I’d always hassle my dad to wait behind. I know what it’s like to be out there so it’s a dream come true to be on the other side now. It also means I’ll always stop if anyone wants anything, because I know what it’s like.”
Tierney also, despite only playing in seven games for Celtic in total, understands what taking part in a European game feels like after being selected to face Fenerbahce last month.
The lad from the Isle of Man gave a good account of himself against the Turkish club, who fielded, among others, Raul Meireles, Nani and Robin van Persie, and ensured his side drew 2-2. The run-out has increased his self-belief significantly.
“There’s nerves before every game, especially when you know Parkhead is going to be nearly full and it’s a big Europa League game,” he said.
“But I took a lot of confidence from the game. I had a few good reviews about my performance and the manager was happy with me.
“The manager’s been absolutely brilliant with me. He’s been amazing in training. He speaks to me personally and helps with every part of my game.”
Ronny Deila was slated after Celtic slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Molde over in Norway a fortnight ago and Tierney will be, if he gets selected ahead of Emilio Izaguirre, keen to ensure the man who has overseen his embryonic career avoids further criticism.
Tierney set up Leigh Griffiths for the opening goal in the 3-1 defeat of Aberdeen in a Premiership match at Parkhead on Saturday and he believes his side is capable of triumphing with the in-form striker, who took his tally for the season to 16 with a double at the weekend, at their disposal.
“It’s very important to win,” he said. “We are three games in, halfway there, and we believe we get the results to go through.
“Leigh has been in great form the full season. He is very dangerous with any half-chance. He is one of the best finishers around. He is not the tallest, but he can get up above defenders to get his head on the ball as he showed on Saturday.
“He has also scored a few goals in Europe, which has been great. It also gives real confidence to the people who are setting him up, because you know he can take the chances.”
Scott Brown, the Celtic captain, is set to miss this match due to the knee injury he picked up in the warm-up before the League Cup quarter-final against Hearts at Tynecastle last week.
However, Stefan Johansen has deputised for Brown in central midfield successfully against Hearts and Aberdeen and Tierney is confident the Scottish champions can win and increase their chances of reaching the last 32 without him.
“Scott is a great player and a great captain, but we have two players for every position in the squad,” he said.
“It’s good to have that competition. There’s great players in every position at Celtic so if you want your chance you need to earn it and when the chance comes round you need to take it.”
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