Tierney’s settoput shieldup

From Back Page exclusively on Monday afternoon that the Celtic full-back is ready to defy the docs by declaring himself fit for next Saturday’s Battle of Britain derby at Hampden – just days after leaving the National Stadium in agony after sustaining horrific facial injuries during the Scottish Cup Final.

Later that same day our exclusive was confirmed when Gordon Strachan’s official squad was released by the SFA – and Tierney’s name was included despite five others being dropped from a provisional list of 29.

Now Record Sport can reveal the 19-year-old has been advised he may need to wear a uniquely designed gum shield in order to protect the damage he sustained at the sharp end of Jayden Stockley’s elbow.

A source said: “Kieran should be fine to play. He remains really positive that he will be given the all-clear even if that does mean having to wear a special gum shield for 90 minutes.

“This is not a game that he intends missing out on.”

But as Tierney’s recovery continues keeper Allan McGregor looks set to be the latest big-name casualty to pull out of the match.

We understand the Hull goalie’s informed Strachan his club’s medics give him no more than a 10 per cent chance of being able to take any part after the 35-year-old had an injured thumb examined.

The Scotland boss is now almost certain to turn back to Hearts No.1 Jack Hamilton – just days after axing him from his provisional squad.

Hamilton was initially named in Strachan’s 29-man group but was one of five players cut along with strikers Jamie Murphy and Steven Fletcher.

It has emerged, however, that 30-cap Fletcher also had to be rested on medical advice after playing through an injury for Sheffield Wednesday in their failed bid for promotion through the English Championship play-offs.