Kieran Tierney has admitted he hopes the Green Brigade’s long-running absence from Celtic Park can come to an end as the club heads into a dog fight for the title.Tawanda Maswanhise versus Celtic
The ultras group have now been banned for several months. What was initially communicated as a six-game suspension was later changed to an indefinite ban, and as the middle of February passes there has still been no clarity on when, or if, they will return to the North Curve.
It has meant playing a significant portion of the season without one of the most vocal sections of their support and for Celtic stars like KT, it has been particularly noticeable.The left-back has always had a strong connection with the ultras and is now spending his first season back at the club without their presence behind the goal.
Tierney grew up attending matches alongside members of both the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic and has maintained contact with supporters throughout their absence.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s crucial end-of-season stretch, he made clear how much the atmosphere at Celtic Park can influence games. [RecordSport]“I would love the atmosphere to be the best it could be because the run-in is going to be tough. Everyone knows how the atmosphere can be at Celtic Park and how much it can help us, so I’d look forward to that.
“I have known them for years, going to the games when I was younger. When I went to the games I wanted to create an atmosphere as well, so I have a good relationship with them.
“What messages have I had? Just things like ‘keep going’ and that we need to fight. I saw a banner against Livingston saying ‘fight to the end’ and I think that’s the message every supporter would give to the players if they could speak to us.
“We know everyone is backing us and supporting us, so we’re going out there doing our best.”With Celtic facing a relentless schedule in the coming weeks, the hope among players and supporters is that some form of resolution can be found.Sometimes that corner can give the players a life when they need it most, especially with Celtic having to find last-minute goals in recent weeks.