Kieran Tierney recalls his European debut a decade ago

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The Celtic Star

·22 janvier 2026

Kieran Tierney recalls his European debut a decade ago

Kieran Tierney is preparing to add another chapter to his European story, as Celtic prepare to face Bologna in the Europa League this evening…

UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Fenerbahce SK at Celtic Park on October 01, 2015. (Photo by Vagelis Georgariou)

The Scotland international has built a reputation as a consistent presence on the continental stage, delivering big performances for club and country.

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Supporters will be hoping the popular full-back can make a decisive impact when Celtic face Bologna tonight with qualification for the Europa League knockout rounds firmly in sight at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

The fixture against the Serie A side represents the latest landmark in a career that has been shaped by high-pressure nights.

Known for his grounded personality away from the pitch, Tierney recently reflected on how his European education began in modest circumstances.

Green Brigade tifo ahead of UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Fenerbahce SK at Celtic Park on October 01, 2015. (Photo by Vagelis Georgariou)

He was handed an unexpected opportunity by then-manager Ronny Deila in October 2016, despite having limited senior experience at the time – a moment that proved to be the launchpad for his long-standing involvement in European competition.

Speaking via The Herald, Tierney said: “Fenerbahce. I can still remember driving home in my Ford Fiesta thinking, ‘I’ve just played against Robin van Persie!’ I think I had just turned 18 – it’s amazing to think that’s ten years ago now.

Celtic team pose for a team photo during the UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and Fenerbahce SK at Celtic Park on October 01, 2015. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty images)

“The game finished 2-2 and that was my first introduction to European football at Celtic. I think it was only my fifth game for the team. Izaguire for sent off against Ajax in the previous game a week or two before and Ronny just put me in for the Fenerbahce game. For the Ajax game before, I wasn’t even in the squad.

“But that was me, driving home in my little Fiesta after the game thinking ‘I’ve just played against Van Persie!’ I didn’t get his jersey or anything like that. I have never been one for swapping shirts.I kept my own one from that night.”

Kieran Tierney Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Tierney added: “I’ll always remember it. The atmosphere was just amazing and I was thinking ‘this is it.’ It was a massive step up. You have your debut then your first start. My first Celtic Park start was on Flag day on the opening day of that season.

“Then that European debut must have been around a month later. I think I did alright in the game. People probably said I played better than I did because I was still a young boy. But I relished the challenge and enjoyed it.”

Conor Spence

Wee video of @DoolinShea singing Bella Ciao at wreath laying at the Fallen Partisans monument yesterday
– jeudi 22 janvier 2026

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