Aitken calls on past to settle KT-Robbo issue

ROY AITKEN believes Scotland can make room for Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney in the same way they once did for Sandy Jardine and Danny McGrain.

Former Celtic skipper Aitken made his international breakthrough in 1979 just as right-backs Jardine and McGrain were preparing to bring the curtain down on their international careers.

Despite playing in the same position, the Rangers and Celtic pair both made vital contributions to the national cause – including helping Scotland qualify for the 1974 World Cup – with McGrain often shifting to the opposite flank to ensure their twin talents did not go to waste.

Moving Hoops leftback Tierney from his favoured berth to the right remains one of the options open to Alex McLeish as he looks to solve a modern version of that selection dilemma also involving Liverpool player Robertson.

But whatever way the Scotland boss decides to line up, Aitken reckons both players have the quality to work together.

Speaking as he was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, he said: “I came in towards the end of Sandy and Danny’s time together in the national team and they were both terrific players.

“But the best teams, and Jock Stein and Alex Ferguson will tell you this, are not always made up of the 11 best players - they are made up of the best blend of personnel.

“It’s up to Alex to get that balance right. If he feels he can move one of the guys across to the other side, he will only do it if he feels it will get the best out of the group.”