The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘Super-talented’ Tierney tipped to star for Scotland for years to come
celtic: Youngster named Ladbrokes Premiership player of the month
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers believes the next Scotland manager will get the “maximum” out of Kieran Tierney as a left-back.
The 20-year-old played right-back for former national team boss Gordon Strachan towards the end of the failed World Cup qualification campaign and interim boss Malky Mackay utilised the Hoops defender as a left-sided centreback for the friendly defeat against Holland last week.
It is understood the Scottish Football Association has sounded out its Northern Irish counterparts about taking boss Michael O’Neill.
Rodgers stressed the next Hampden incumbent, whoever he is, will see the best of Tierney, named Ladbrokes Premiership player of the month for October, in his natural position.
The Northern Irishman said: “His best position is left-back and if he plays leftback for Scotland then that’s where they will gain the maximum out of a supertalented young player.
“He has that adaptability to play in different positions. We play a number of different systems here. He has played as a left-sided centre-half, left side of a three, but you see his threat when he plays as a full-back or a wide player in a 3-4-3, how effective he is.
“He is blessed with a wonderful temperament as a young player. He is getting better, stronger and working on areas of his game that he knows needs improving.
“He is one of those players that he will play wherever the manager wants him to play. But for Scotland to get the very best out of him, then he is better suited to that one where he can push forward and create and score goals.”
Tierney said of his award: “It is my first one, I am delighted with it and couldn’t have done it without the boys.”
He captained the Scots for the first time in his ninth appearance in the 1-0 defeat by the Dutch.
Rodgers, preparing for the trip to Ross County tomorrow, acknowledged Mackay’s claim that the former Celtic youth player could win 100 caps for his country.
Rodgers said: “It typifies his growth and development that at 20 years of age, how he handled the captaincy.”
He added: “If he stays injury-free and his availability is there... I think Kenny (Dalglish, 102) is the only one with over 100 caps so there is a long way to go for him but he has a big future ahead.”
Meanwhile, the Parkhead club have announced Dorus de Vries has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2019.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper signed for the Hoops in August last year from Nottingham Forest, having previously worked with Rodgers at Swansea City.
Understudy to Craig Gordon, he was used sparingly in the treble-winning campaign and this season has featured once, in the 1-0 win over Dundee.
If he plays left-back for Scotland then that’s where they will gain the maximum out of a supertalented young player. BRENDAN RODGERS