Defender inspired by Forrest for challenge of ‘tough group’

Scotland defender Kieran Tierney says they face a tough challenge in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, but watching James Forrest hit top form last month has inspired him.

Scotland watched Sunday’s qualifying draw with the benefit of a fall-back option of a play-off semi-final secured following Nations League wins over Albania and Israel last month.

And Forrest’s five-goal haul has ensured that Scotland will go into the opening double-header in Kazakhstan and San Marino in March with confidence.

Tierney said: “It’s a tough group. You are going to expect that. It’s more tough games, more big-pressure games for us all, and we look forward to it.

“The last couple of games were pleasing for us. Obviously James Forrest was something special for us in those games. His last few seasons have been incredible and to play alongside him is special for me.”

Scotland were also drawn against World Cup semi-finalists Belgium, who won 4-0 in a Hampden friendly in September, but suffered a shock 5-2 defeat against Switzerland to miss out on the Nations League finals.

Scotland will most likely have to battle Russia for second spot with the World Cup hosts coming close to following their positive summer with Nations League promotion. They lost 2-0 in Sweden to see top spot in their group slip from their grasp in the final game.

Fourth seeds Cyprus came third in Nations League Group C3, well behind Norway and Bulgaria and two points ahead of Slovenia, who they beat in Nicosia in their only victory in six matches.

Kazakhstan were 10 points off Georgia in second place in Group D1.

Meanwhile, San Marino shipped 16 goals without reply in six games against Belarus, Luxembourg and Moldova.