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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
James Forrest has admitted that he and his teammates are desperate to keep Kieran Tierney, following interest from Arsenal.
What’s he said?
As reported by The Scottish Sun, the winger has been talking about his desire for the club to reject the advances of Unai Emery and keep Tierney beyond Thursday, when the English transfer window shuts.
Tierney has been a target of multiple bids from the Premier League side this summer, yet Neil Lennon’s men have rejected all offers so far, according to BBC Sport. With the deadline getting ever closer, Forrest is hoping that his 22-year-old teammate will still be playing in green and white come his return from injury.
The 28-year-old wide-man said the following when asked about his fellow Celtic star: “Ask anyone in our dressing room, we all want KT to still be here. He’s been a great player for us and everyone is hoping that come Friday he is still here. We still see him at training every day.”
His support for the Arsenal target could give away a few hints as to where the star’s future may lie.
KT to stay?
Forrest announcing that the dressing room wants Tierney to turn down the advances of the Premier League club is interesting. It shows that the players haven’t turned their back on their teammate in a time where they could’ve been frustrated that the saga was rumbling on in the background as they made a terrific start to the season.
The second clue in Forrest’s plea is that he mentioned Tierney had been in training every day. We’ve seen players throw strops at not being granted the chance to move this summer so it’s refreshing to see the Scotland international isn’t getting carried away.
His decision to still train amid all this intense speculation is a testament to the character of the young Celt, with more experienced men kicking up a bigger fuss in similar situations. Let us also not forget that he is nursing an injury, something else that bigger names have used to force moves in recent years.
While it would be no surprise to see Tierney in an Arsenal shirt come Friday given their continued pursuit, it’s still encouraging to know he’s working hard at Parkhead and will do nothing to damage any potential future in Glasgow.
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