Martin O’Neill’s Celtic looked reborn at Celtic Park as Kieran Tierney marked his opportunity off the bench in style, scoring his first goal since returning to the club in a 4–0 demolition of Kilmarnock.
The win trimmed Hearts’ lead at the top to seven points, with Celtic still holding a game in hand heading into the international break.
Tierney’s second-half strike was the moment the stadium erupted. Picking up a pass from Liam Scales, the left-back charged forward and unleashed a stunning drive from outside the box that ripped past Eddie Beach. It was vintage Tierney, power, precision, and passion rolled into one. The roar that followed said it all; Celtic fans have their hero back, and he looks every bit the player who left for Arsenal years ago.
O’Neill has been gradually reworking his side, but Tierney’s impact off the bench has given the team fresh balance and belief. His energy down the left changed the dynamic of the game, offering both width and aggression in attack while tightening things up defensively. It wasn’t just his goal, it was his leadership, his constant drive to push the team forward. You could see the lift it gave those around him.
Johnny Kenny’s opener and Reo Hatate’s control of midfield had already put Celtic in command before Tierney’s strike effectively killed the contest. Daizen Maeda added a third on the break, and Arne Engels rounded off a superb team performance with a cool penalty after Hyun-jun Yang was fouled.
Post-match, O’Neill looked a satisfied man on the touchline, watching a side that finally played with the intensity he’s been demanding. Tierney’s presence clearly inspired confidence in a back line that looked composed throughout, with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales forming a solid pairing in the centre.
2nd November 2025; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premier Sports Cup semi final, Rangers versus Celtic; Auston Trusty of Celtic with his man of the match award
Simply put, this felt like a turning point. Celtic looked organised, hungry, and ruthless in front of goal, three things that had been missing earlier in the season. With Tierney back fit, Hatate dictating play, and Maeda finding his rhythm again, the pieces are starting to fall into place.
The international break arrives at a good time, allowing O’Neill to reset and build on what might just be the most complete performance of his second spell so far. Tierney’s return didn’t just spark a goal, it might have sparked Celtic’s season.
