KT won’t be put off, even if he has a stinker
Kieran Tierney insists neither playing out of position nor out of form will prevent him giving his all for Scotland this evening.
The Celtic full-back has been a stand-out for club and country this season, his performances drawing praise from all quarters.
However, unlike the majority of his team-mates, he will go into tonight’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Slovenia off the back of a slightly disappointing personal display.
“I might not have played my best against Slovakia, but I was trying my hardest,” he said.
“I’m playing out of position, but it’s a sacrifice for the team. So if the gaffer wants me to play there, then I will do it.
“The faith he has put in me over the last few games has been great.
“I’m there to help the defence. It is a team effort, but clean sheets are what defenders and keepers pride themselves on and that is three in a row for us now.
“Apparently the last time we managed that achievement was in 1999, so that shows you how well we are doing.”
National coach Gordon Strachan and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers have both used Tierney in a variety of defensive roles.
They have felt able to do so because of the 20-year-old’s precocious matchreading ability.
He’s only going to improve – even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
“Moving positions might make me better from a positional sense for when I play right-back, but I don’t know if it helps me when I go back to my normal position,” said Tierney.
“It helps me learn as a player and develop, and managers want players who can fill more than one position.
“If I can be versatile it’s a bonus for everyone.
“I won’t sulk or go in a huff because I am playing out of position. I just want to play football – you just go and enjoy it.
“Even if I have a stinker, I will always try my hardest.
“It is Slovenia next, and it is going to be a tough ask for everyone, a very tough game, but we will be prepared for it.
“We have momentum, which is a positive. It’s a great camp to be in and the fans can feel it too.”