Tierney crafts Celtic's hard-earned win over Dundee in season opener

Celtic had to scrap for their first points of the Scottish Premiership season, edging Dundee 1-0. Benjamin Nygren, the club's leading scorer last term, did the finishing with a header from Kieran Tierney's precise cross, and that assist proved enough for the champions to open their title defence with a win. Tierney has been arguably Celtic's best player since Martin O'Neill returned in January, though the praise has not always been loud. The expectations around him have always been high, not least because his move to Arsenal brought Celtic about £25m years ago. Last season he produced a team-best 12 assists and scored six goals from defence, numbers that underline his value to O'Neill's side. The 29-year-old remains a key figure, with his contract running until 2030 and no other senior left-back in the squad after Marcelo Saracci returned to Boca Juniors from his loan spell. That has not stopped speculation, though: Osasuna are reported to be interested, with Celtic ready to reject any offers. O'Neill knows Tierney cannot be run into the ground. "Kieran, with the best will in the world, is not going to play every game," the manager said. "Last year he was recovering and did not finish some games because he gives so much to the game. Of course, it is important to give him cover, and we are working on that." He also made a point of praising Tierney and captain Callum McGregor: "These players are the football club. They are the backbone of Celtic, and I am glad to have them." Scott Brown, the former captain, has no doubts about where Tierney's future lies. "Kieran is not going anywhere, he loves this football club," Brown said. "I love his passion. When it's 50-50, he wins the duel, and when the ball is in the box, he puts his head on it. You can understand why he moved to Arsenal, and other teams will want a player like that. Celtic are very lucky to have him, McGregor and Forrest." Brown also liked what he saw from McGregor after the midfielder's international retirement. "Callum finished with Scotland, so he had his break and looks really fresh. He is the brain of the team. If young players are watching, let them learn from McGregor, Tierney and Forrest," he added.