Celtic star Kieran Tierney was all smiles when asked about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s dramatic debut winner against Livingston on Wednesday night.
The left back did bemoan the team not taking their chances earlier in the game to set up such a tense finish, but was admittedly delighted for the Englishman. “We made it harder for ourselves because Livingston were never out of the game, but I thought there’s no better player to score last night. It was a dream debut and a good start to the life at Celtic for him.” [Celtic Youtube]
Inside Lennoxtown, there were no doubts about his quality. Asked if his presence, and stature has given the place a lift. Kieran gave a little glimpse into what the bhoys thought about the new signing in training.
“Aye, 100%. I wasn’t in the training on his first day here, but the feedback from the boys was he [Ox] was on fire. He;s been scoring goals in training, so it was no surprise to see it hit the back of the net.” 
Tierney stressed that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s experience could prove decisive in a tight title race.
“It’s just he’s played in so many big games. He’s won stuff before. The experience that he’s got is going to help us massively. On top of that, he’s a quality player, a great addition to the changing room already.” 
Celtic sit six points behind Hearts, who won the Edinburgh derby, but Martin O’Neill’s side have a game in hand. Rangers face Hearts this weekend, meaning there is guaranteed to be movement at the top.
First, Celtic must handle their own business at Rugby Park.
Neil McCann, who stepped into an interim role at Ibrox last season, is now in charge of Kilmarnock alongside fellow former Rangers man Billy Dodds. Both will be desperate to dent Celtic’s momentum.
Tierney knows there can be no repeat of missed chances.
“You’re never really comfortable in a game. Even 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, you just never know what can happen. So we need to take our chances when we get them.” 
Win, and Celtic either leapfrog Rangers or close the gap on Hearts, possibly both if the game ends level. Oxlade-Chamberlain has already shown he can deliver when it matters.
Sunday now presents another opportunity for the bhoys to show their title credentials.
