Exclusive: McNamara predicts 'A lot of resentment' at Celtic in behind-the-scenes reveal

EXCLUSIVE

Jackie McNamara has revealed that Kieran Tierney was pushing for a move to leave Celtic this summer and claims fans will resent him for moving to Arsenal.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops ace, who still has strong connections with his old club, says that Tierney was looking to leave despite remaining silent over his future in public.

It was revealed by Football Insider last month that Tierney had told those close to him he expected to be leaving the Glasgow giants for Arsenal despite the north Londoners having seen a bid rejected.

Deadline day on Thursday eventually saw Tierney put pen to paper in the English capital and McNamara has said there will be plenty of disappointed supporters among the Celtic Park faithful.

"He's obviously wanted to go, wanted to leave at this stage," McNamara told Football Insider.

"A lot of fans would want him to stay to try and get nine and ten in a row so it will cause a lot of resentment from them for him not staying for that. 

"He's not come out publicly but inside (Parkhead) he was wanting to go."

Tierney, 22, came through the youth ranks at Celtic and leaves with 170 first-team appearances under his belt across all competitions, including in the Champions League.

Last season saw a hip injury force him to the sidelines between December and February, although he still managed to play 40 times for the Bhoys before undergoing surgery on a double hernia this summer.