JAMES FORREST has defended former teammate Kieran Tierney after he revealed the abuse he received over his transfer to Arsenal, and says that all Celtic fans should welcome him back to the club.

Tierney told the Open Goal podcast this week that he was now scared to attend matches at Celtic Park, despite being a lifelong fan of the club, after some supporters scrawled abusive graffiti near his home and sent him vile messages on social media.

Forrest was saddened to hear the experiences of his close friend, and believes it is time for any Celtic fans still upset over Tierney’s exit to bury the hatchet. When asked if he would like to see Tierney welcomed back to Celtic Park, Forrest said: “One hundred percent. Everyone knows how mad KT is about Celtic and he’s worked so hard, coming through with the youths here and he’s put in great performances and had so many great memories with Celtic.

“Over time he will definitely be welcomed back. He texts all the boys and he still watches all the games that he can. I think over time he will definitely be welcome back and you wouldn’t rule it out him maybe playing for Celtic again as well.

“I remember at the time [he left] it was difficult for his family and for him as well. It was the only club he had been at, so it was the first time he had ever moved.

“I think it made it harder for him, he’s said that himself, reading stuff [on social media]. It wasn’t the majority, but he maybe still took it in. I think over time it will get better and he will definitely be welcomed back.”

Forrest hopes that the perfect opportunity to welcome Tierney back will present itself at the end of this season, as the players who contributed to a possible tenth consecutive title take the acclaim of the crowd.

“I think obviously that’s what everyone at the club wants to get and KT has been a part of that,” he said.

“There have been so many players who have been a part of the success up to now. I think it’s too far early to talk about, hopefully there is another successful season and we can have that call at the end of the season hopefully.”