“Kieran just has the DNA to play here,” Alistair Johnston | OneFootball

Alistair Johnston has praised Kieran Tierney for the influence he has had at Celtic, both in games and behind the scenes…

Celtic player Kieran Tierney iin action during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The defender has seamlessly transitioned into his boyhood club following his move from Arsenal, as if he had never left.

Though he does not mirror Greg Taylor’s inverted style at left-back, Tierney has quickly produced the kind of performances Brendan Rodgers envisioned when securing his return on a pre-contract agreement.

Operating on the opposite side, Alistair Johnston holds great admiration for the Scotland international with Rodgers now having two top-class full-backs at his disposal.

Tierney has stepped into the off-field void left by Taylor with his likeable personality, coupled with the unique trait alongside the likes of Callum McGregor and James Forrest of having Celtic deeply rooted in him.

Kieran Tierney of Celtic applauds the fans as he walks off the pitch. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 03 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

“How important it is to have people who are born and bred Celtic men”

Speaking on KT’s influence on the park and in the dressing room, Alistair Johnston said via The Herald: “It’s been great and he’s a big personality. That was something that we needed with Greg Taylor leaving.”

“Losing him was not only big on the pitch but off the pitch as well. Having Kieran come back in is great. He’s talented beyond belief as a footballer and also just a good lad who gets the football club. That’s another thing that can’t be downplayed. How important it is to have people who are born and bred Celtic men.”

“Kieran just has the DNA to play here”

Johnston added: “That is important. Kieran just has the DNA to play here. It’s been great to have him in. He’s a great lad and he gets it as a lot of people would say.”

Kieran Tierney during the Celtic fan media conference at Celtic Park on Friday 18 July 2025. Photo Conor Spence (The Celtic Star)

Tierney and Johnston will most likely link up again this weekend when Rodgers’ side head to Pittodrie for a tough domestic encounter against Aberdeen.

The Scottish Cup holders will be aiming for a response following their opening weekend 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.

Conor Spence

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