Kieran Tierney proves decisive as Celtic open title defense with win

Celtic had to work for it on opening night, but the champions found a way past a stubborn Dundee side. Benjamin Nygren, last season's top scorer, produced the winning header, yet the real architect was Kieran Tierney, whose pinpoint delivery gave the Swede the easiest of finishes. Tierney has arguably been Celtic's finest player since Martin O'Neill returned in January, even if the spotlight has often drifted elsewhere. This was another reminder of what he gives the team. He had two shots on target, more than anyone in Celtic colors, created four chances - the most in the team - and sent over eight crosses, also a game high. The first half was exactly what Celtic did not want: Dundee pressed high, played aggressively and refused to let the hosts settle. Kasper Hogh's 0.88 expected goals total was a measure of how competitive the visitors were, but Celtic's quality eventually told. Tierney's trusty left boot unlocked the door, and Nygren headed home from six yards. None of this is new. Tierney finished last season with 12 assists, the most of any Celtic player, and scored six goals. Only Falkirk's Calvin Miller, now at Hearts, recorded more assists across the division. Among Celtic players, only Daizen Maeda created more big chances - 14 to Tierney's 12. Defensively, the numbers are just as strong, and only three full-backs in the league played more minutes. He did complete the full 90 just 10 times, which is why manager O'Neill knows he cannot rely on him every week. With Marcelo Sarrachi back at Boca Juniors after his loan, Celtic have no other senior left-back. O'Neill confirmed cover is being considered. "Kieran, with the best will in the world, will not get through every single game," he said. The transfer chatter has not gone away, though. Osasuna were reported to have made an enquiry, with the same report suggesting Celtic will reject any approach for the 29-year-old, who is contracted until 2030. Former captain Scott Brown has no doubts about the outcome. "Kieran's going nowhere, he loves the football club," he said. For O'Neill, Tierney remains part of the club's spine. "Those players are the football club," he said, placing the left-back alongside captain Callum McGregor and James Forrest. Against Dundee, Tierney showed exactly why.