I’ve not binned cap hopes

Kieran Tierney’s move to Arsenal might have felt like a dagger in Barry Douglas’ heart and a crushing blow to his Scotland hopes.

But the Leeds United defender insists he’s delighted for Gunners’ new £25million man – because it can only be good for the national team.

Douglas, who has a solitary cap for his country, has one of the toughest jobs around with Liverpool’s Champions League winner Andy Robertson and ex Celtic ace Tierney in front of him for the left-back slot.

But the 29-year-old is philosophical about his predicament and was encouraged when he took a call from new Scotland boss Steve Clarke in the summer.

Douglas said: “I’m just unfortunate to be around in this era when two of the best players in the country are left-backs.

“I can’t get frustrated about it. The fact that I’ve even been involved in squads is credit to myself, given how good Andy and Kieran are.

“The manager phoned me in the summer while I was in Dubai doing some rehab work. He told me that the boys in my position are obviously excellent players – but anything can happen in football.

“That was good to hear but it’s exactly my mentality anyway.

“I’m 29 now and if I get called up then brilliant – because it’s still an incredible honour to play for your country.

“If I don’t it’s because probably the two best left-backs in Britain are ahead of me.

“I wouldn’t change anything because I want the best players playing for Scotland.

“And it’s great for the national team that Andy and Kieran are doing so well.”