[ad_pod ]

Brendan Rodgers has pencilled in next Sunday's SPFL clash with Motherwell for Kieran Tierney's return from injury.

The defender has been out injured since suffering a hip knock in the Europa League match against RB Leipzig but has been back in full contact training for over a week.

Tierney has been watching his team-mates from the stands alongside his pals but is now closing in on a return to competitive action.

After today's 1-0 win over Kilmarnock, Chick Young asked Rodgers if Tierney would be back to face Valencia on Thursday but the Hoops boss told Radio Scotland...

"I think that Motherwell is the game that we are targeting Kieran for."

Jonny Hayes put in an impressive shift today at Kilmarnock but the return of the first choice left-back will give Celtic a major boost at an important time.

Emilio Izaguirre has been the regular deputy but suffered an ankle injury in the first leg defeat from Valencia - as well as a very uncomfortable night against the Spanish side.

While his team-mates prepare to climb a mountain in the Mestalla on Thursday, Tierney will remain behind at Lennoxtown as he completes his recovery from injury.