Bolingoli will relish the challenge if Kieran Tierney remains at Celtic Park

Celtic new signing Boli Bolingoli says that he is looking forward to fighting for his place in the team, should left-back Kieran Tierney remain at Parkhead next season.

Tierney is being tracked by a number of sides after impressing for the Bhoys last term, with Arsenal reportedly close to striking a deal for the 22-year-old.

Bolingoli said that the future of Tierney had no affect on his decision to join the SPL outfit, though, and also claimed that he would relish the challenge if the Scotland international remained at the club beyond this summer's window.

Celtic were already in the market for a new left-back after the departure of Emilio Izaguirre, but fans are now convinced that Tierney is definitely leaving after their side announced Bolingoli on Wednesday night. The Belgian joins from Austrian Bundesliga side Rapid Vienna.

“I didn’t ask anything. I just came for myself because I love the club. It’s a big club, it’s a big step in my career," said Bolingoli.

“I didn’t ask if the player was going to stay or not. I came here for the club and to make history. If he is going to stay or not, it’s going to change nothing for my decision at all.

“It’s always healthy competition to have a colleague like this player. He is a good player, I have heard a lot of positive things about him.

“I am always open for healthy competition and if he stays then we will work together and try to give everything for the club.

“When you come to a big club you have to show your qualities.”

The 24-year-old - who can also operate on the left-hand side of midfield - turned out 73 times for Vienna since joining the club from Club Brugge in 2017; he scored a total of four goals during his two-season stint at the club.

Speaking in a recent media conference, the Antwerp-born defender said that he wanted to "write history" at Celtic.

“Celtic is a big club in Europe and if you hear that Celtic are interested in you, of course you cannot say no.

“It’s a nice step for me to make the next step in my career and I also want to write the history of this club.

“My qualities are my skills and I’m fast. I think the fans will love me with my skills and my power on the pitch, the will that I will give them, because I always try to go 100 per cent on the pitch and I think the fans will love it.”

He also told of his excitement to play in next season's Champions League, saying that it will be 'amazing to play in this [Celtic Park] stadium.'

With the Bhoys beginning their European adventure earlier than most due to entering the competition at the qualifying stage, Bologni could well make his eagerly anticipated debut next Tuesday, when Neil Lennon's side take on FK Sarajevo away from home.

Tierney is currently undergoing surgery on a double hernia, which leaves the club's newest recruit as their only option to fill the left-back berth, and it's fair to say that he is keen to get started.

“I’m ready, I’m fit, so let’s see what the coach is going to say, but physically I am ready to play.”