Celtic star happy to play out of position if needed

Kieran Tierney has told Alex McLeish he would be happy to play right-back for Scotland if the manager deems it the best option for the team.

Tierney’s enforced absence from the two crucial Nations League wins over Albania and Israel preceded a switch of formation as McLeish ditched his 3-5-2 system, which he set up to accommodate the Celtic left-back inside Andy Robertson in central defence.

Callum Paterson came in for the injured Stephen O’Donnell at right-back but the Cardiff striker did not feel entirely comfortable defensively and the success of wingers James Forrest and Ryan Fraser means the 4-2-3-1 formation is unlikely to be changed for the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

And Tierney would happily switch to right-back if asked.

“Of course, I have done it in the past,” the 21-year-old said.

“I think I have only played one or two games at left-back for Scotland so I know what it’s like. It’s just about adapting to another position so I’m not going to get angry or disappointed.

“You want to play left-back, of course, but you want to do what’s best for your country and if that’s what the manager thinks, then I’m more than happy to do that. It’s going to be harder for me but if the manager thinks that’s what is best then I’m happy with that. If he has the trust in me, then I’ve got the trust in myself as well.”

Tierney admitted relief as Scotland topped Group C1 after his own goal ultimately saw the team go down to defeat in Israel last month.

“It was two great results,” he said. “Of course before that we got beat in Israel unfortunately, due to me, but the boys bounced back and got two great results.

“I’m buzzing for everyone and the coaching staff. I think it’s what we deserved. We have worked hard every time we go away and looking to get the consistency and the last few games showed that.

“It was brilliant. The two games were different types of pressure and the boys dealt with that brilliant.

“And obviously a special mention for James Forrest, the goals he scored were unbelievable.

“He has everything in his game and is a great player for the team.”

Tierney was “gutted” to have to pull out because of a hamstring problem.

“I went to Scotland training and tried my best, but the first few days it was a bit tight still and I felt something,” he added.