Celtic boss expects interest in Scotland newcomer Kieran Tierney
Celtic manager Ronny Deila believes Kieran Tierney is set to attract numerous suitors following his first cap for Scotland.
Southampton are reportedly interested in the 18-year-old left-back, who only forced his way into the Celtic team this season before featuring for Gordon Strachan's side in the first-half of the 1-0 friendly win over Denmark on Tuesday.
The Norwegian expressed little surprise over the link with the Barclays Premier League club and expects more of the same.
"I can tell you one thing, that is not the last club you come up with," said Deila ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday lunchtime.
"When you are playing for the Scotland national team at 18 years old and you play regularly for Celtic, of course the clubs will be after him.
"But he is going to stay here, that is the best thing for his development.
"Now, he just has to have the consistency, play all the time and be a very important player for us.
"I didn't get to see the first half at Hampden, I only saw the second but I got told he did well. I spoke to Gordon and he was satisfied and I am not very surprised by that.
"He showed what we have seen at Celtic, he is ready at this level. He is a young kid, mentally strong, physically strong and has adapted unbelievably quickly.
"Why? He works really hard every day in training, he is a humble guy, respectful, keen to learn new things and very disciplined.
"I am so happy for him but at the same time he has a lot to improve. He knows that himself."
Deila was "proud" to see Tierney, skipper Scott Brown, keeper Craig Gordon, utility player Charlie Mulgrew and striker Leigh Griffiths feature against the Danes, after Mulgrew started in a completely different line-up against the Czech Republic five days earlier.
He said: "It is very good and it makes me proud. And also they won both games and that is a good thing for Scottish football.
"We are Scottish and we want to the best club and we also need the players in the national team.
"I think there was a statistic that said we had over 30 players in various national teams, you can't be disappointed in that.
"It is a positive thing, it says that there is a lot of talent here."
Deila was glad to see Danish defender Erik Sviatchenko return to training following the crunching tackle on him by fellow substitute Liam Bridcutt during the game against Scotland.
The Hoops boss said: "I was a little bit concerned because it was a rough tackle but he is good. He didn't train yesterday but is back in training today. It was good he got through."
Striker Carlton Cole injured a knee in training and he will have a scan to ascertain the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, new Scotland Under-21 captain Jordan McGhee aims to cap a memorable week by helping Hearts to victory over Celtic.
The 19-year-old was handed the armband in the European qualifiers against France and Northern Ireland after John McGinn was promoted to Gordon Strachan's full squad.
And after leading the young Scots to a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Tuesday, McGhee is keen to be involved as Hearts take on the Ladbrokes Premiership leaders at Celtic Park.
McGhee, who has made 26 first-team appearances this season, told Press Association Sport: "It's an absolute honour to play for your country at any age group and to be captain is special.
"It was something I will never forget, especially to get three points on Tuesday was great for me.
"Everyone was there - my girlfriend, my mum and dad, who follow me everywhere, and my little sister. It was great backing for me, my family have always been there for me and I'm really thankful for that."
Hearts have defenders Igor Rossi and Alim Ozturk back in their squad for the game after groin problems.
Midfielder Don Cowie will be assessed after struggling with a calf issue.
Callum Paterson (shoulder) is likely to miss out again and Soufian El Hassnaoui (knee) remains on the sidelines.
Source: PAR
