Tosh McKinlay gives KT incredible Tommy Gemmell compliment | OneFootball

Tosh McKinlay maintains that the returning Kieran Tierney ranks alongside Tommy Gemmell as one of Celtic’s greatest left-backs…

Stockholm – Henrik Larsson arriving at Arlanda airport with band aid on his nose Thursday November 6,1997 after an incident/fight/Glasgow Kiss with Tosh McKinlay during training with his team Celtic in Glasgow.Photo Gunnar Seijbold

Tosh McKinlay is delighted to welcome KT back to Celtic Park following nearly six years spent with Arsenal in the Premier League. The former Celtic defender firmly believes that the Hoops have secured a top-tier full-back who is currently at the peak of his career.

Kieran Tierney of Celtic applauds fans after the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park Stadium on September 2, 2018. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“I think Kieran’s right up there with the best of them – Tommy Gemmell being one of them,” Tosh McKinlay

He also believes that Tierney’s level already matches that of the legendary Lisbon Lion, Tommy Gemmell.  Daily Speaking to Daily Record, McKinlay said: “We’ve had some decent left backs over the years, but I think Kieran’s right up there with the best of them – Tommy Gemmell being one of them.

“I think you need to defend well, but obviously the other but of the job is getting forward and getting crosses into the box for the strikers. So, I’m sure Kieran will be looking forward to marauding up and down the line like he did the last time.”

“It’s absolutely brilliant to see him back, he’s a world-class left-back. Obviously, he’s had a stint in England, but delighted to have him back.”

Kieran Tierney and Scotty Sinclair of Celtic celebrate their team’s third goal scored by Callum McGregor during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 29, 2017. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“It’s in the badge; it’s in the blood”

“It’s in the badge; it’s in the blood. I’m really looking forward to seeing him in the first game, getting the Hoops back on. Everybody’s delighted he’s back. I’m sure the supporters will be excited about seeing him play for Celtic again.”

McKinlay was thrilled by Celtic’s Double win last season and insists boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to bolster the team further during the summer transfer window ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Tierney has already arrived, promising talent Callum Osmand and goalkeeper Ross Doohan are virtually signed, and negotiations for Swedish forward Benjamin Nygren are nearing completion.

Celtic are also pursuing a number of additional targets, including Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp and Japanese defender Hayato Inamura.

“The one that’s confirmed now is Tierney, so that’s a very good start as far as I’m concerned.”

Tosh McKinlay, Celtic FC 12 January 1996 Photo Mary Evans Allstar David Gadd (IMAGO).

McKinlay said: “It’s the silly season; there are names being thrown out there left right and centre. But the one that’s confirmed now is Tierney, so that’s a very good start as far as I’m concerned.”

“We just have to wait and see what Celtic bring in, but I’m sure the manager will be keen to add to the fantastic squad that he’s got at the moment. It’s a position of strength and it’s what the manager’s always looking to do. Certain positions he’ll want to strengthen and I’m sure he’ll be working hard over the summer to do that.”

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