Kieran Tierney was a major coup when Celtic secured his return from Arsenal last summer, but he still had his doubters.
Not that they had any concerns over his ability - but his fitness and durability. It was probably justified given the issues that had plagued him in North London.
He didn't look like he could complete 90 minutes at the start of the season, but gradually played for longer and longer as the season went on.
In the end, he played more than 50 games as he helped Celtic win the double and Scotland qualify for the World Cup. Not only that, but he provided six goals and 12 assists for the champions as well as a crucial strike in the national team's big win over Denmark.
Parkhead hero Jackie McNamara says all of that is proof the doubters were wrong.
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“KT’s numbers have been excellent in terms of deliveries, assists and goals," he said.
“Even the Scotland goal he scored against Denmark was impressive. I think he's had a terrific season, especially with the pressure for him to come back at that point.
“Everybody had their expectations, the young kid that left to go to Arsenal was coming back and people maybe doubted his fitness levels and everything else.
“But his numbers show he's handled it really well. I think Celtic have tried to manage his minutes, which you're seeing more and more in the game now.
“When you play over 50 games a season, you've shown that your body can handle it. Now he's going away to play a World Cup which is fabulous.”
* McNamara was launching the Refugee World Cup Scotland 2026 tournament on Sunday, June 21 at Toryglen Regional Football Centre. The Wheatley Group and Glasgow Life sponsored event celebrates the diversity of communities in Scotland through football.
