A teen Hoops fan who has just been diagnosed with cancer has expressed her disbelief at being sent a heartwarming and unexpected message from Celtic star Kieran Tierney.

Natalie Smith, 18, from Dalry in North Ayrshire, took to her Twitter page to post a screengrab of the message sent by Tierney himself just hours before Celtic’s 5-1 defeat over Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

The 19-year-old left back encouraged Natalie to stay strong.

READ MORE: Meet the Rangers fan who helped out a lone Celtic supporter during the Old Firm

He wrote: “Hi Natalie, gutted to hear about your news! I’m just giving you a message to tell you to keep strong and always be yourself and whatever you do always have a smile on your face!”

He continued: “There’s a lot of people supporting you! Keep strong and keep watching Hannah Montana haha!!”

Glasgow Times:

An emotional Natalie couldn’t believe her luck and, posting the image onto Twitter, said: “What the f**k just happened, thank you so so much @kierantierney1.

“I’m so so shocked, but what a smile that’s on my face right now.”

Telling her Facebook mates of the surprising message on Old Firm day on Saturday, she added :”No other words can describe how I feel after Tierney messaged me off his own back even with prepping for today's match, what a bhoy KT.”