Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Mon 16 March 2026 19:45, UK

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Kieran Tierney was a standout for Celtic against Motherwell as he proved that signing Andy Robertson would make little sense for the club to do this summer.

Tierney shone for the Hoops as they beat Motherwell 3-1 at Parkhead to close the gap on Premiership leaders Hearts to two points.

Hyun-jun Yang’s brace and Tomas Cvancara’s penalty gave Martin O’Neill’s side all three points after Elijah Just had put the visitors ahead.

Robertson has been linked with a move to his boyhood club Celtic in recent months as he nears the end of his Liverpool contract this summer, and is believed to be open to a move back north of the border.

Celtic’s transfer plans are not a priority as it stands, with a league title to win over the next eight matches, but it is clear that the Scotland captain is not needed as Tierney continues to impress.

Kieran Tierney continued his strong Celtic form against Motherwell

Tierney scored key goals in successive games against Rangers and Aberdeen prior to Saturday’s match, taking his tally to 16 contributions in 42 appearances this season.

His 43rd appearance came at left-back against potential future Hoops boss Jens Berthel Askou, and it was another fine display of defensive nous and attacking prowess.

The 28-year-old created two chances and very nearly picked up two assists, as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first-half shot hit the left post and trickled along the goal-line, but ultimately stayed out, while Benjamin Nygren’s second-half strike smashed the base of the right post.

He made eight passes into the Motherwell final third and picked up 12 defensive contributions, including a great block to deny Ibrahim Said’s shot in the second-half.

Tierney won all eight of his ground duels and the one aerial duel he attempted, while he also drew a foul before being taken off in the 78th minute.

Celtic don’t need Robertson – where else could he end up this summer?

The Premier League is tougher than the Scottish Premiership, but regardless, Robertson has not been performing anywhere near the level of Tierney so far this season.

He is now 32-years-old and has started just six league games for Liverpool up to now, failing to oust Milos Kerkez on a consistent basis despite his poor showings.

Robertson would want to join Celtic to be their first choice left-back for next season, but he does not deserve that space over his international teammate as it stands.

Sources have told Football Insider that Robertson is wanted by Premier League sides ahead of the summer, after Tottenham came close to signing him in the January window.

It certainly seems likely that he will continue playing in a top league, but that should not be the Hoops, even if it is a move that many fans would like to see happen.