Kieran Tierney has written his name into the history books.
The Celtic defender came from the bench to score what may be the most memorable goal of his career as Scotland ended a 28-year wait to qualify for a World Cup.
It’s a hungover nation today. The emotions were quite something at Hampden, with Tierney’s goal being followed by an incredible winner by Kenny McLean, from his own half!
On the losing side was Hoops goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was caught out by McLean’s winner and now must win a play-off if he is to play at the tournament next summer.
And after scoring against his Celtic teammate, Tierney has discussed how he will handle his link-up with Schmeichel when they return to Lennoxtown.
Kieran Tierney jokes about avoiding Celtic teammate Kasper Schmeichel
The game was effectively a one-game play-off for a spot at the tournament, which Scotland had to win. It was always going to be dramatic.
But even by Scotland’s standards, it was an absolute rollercoaster of a 90 minutes.
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Speaking to the media after the encounter, Tierney was asked whether he will avoid Schmeichel when they return to Celtic duty. He replied with a smile: “Probably.
“That’s the sad thing in football – somebody has to lose. If it were the other way about, it would be heartbreaking for us, but we’ve been through it as a nation plenty of times. We deserve the chance of getting there.
“It was mental. I ran to the dugout and everybody was up – the staff, subs and coaches. I think that shows one of our biggest strengths is the togetherness, through good and bad times. We’re there and want the best for each other.
“The manager said before the game today that everyone is important, and the people who come on and don’t come on, we still need to give our all. This team do that.”
There could be a new manager in place for the pair by the time they return to action against St Mirren on Saturday.
Wilfried Nancy is reportedly locked in discussions over his backroom staff, with Celtic needing to fork out a compensation fee for the Columbus Crew boss.
Celtic players heading to the World Cup
Tierney and Anthony Ralston are the two Hoops representatives in the Scotland squad that sealed their place at the tournament. Both will be heading to North America next summer – you do wonder if Callum McGregor regrets his decision to call it quits internationally.
Sebastian Tounekti’s Tunisia are also set for the tournament; they are now fairly established as World Cup regulars. If the winger keeps up his Celtic form, he’ll be on the plane.
Daizen Maeda’s Japan are also qualified. What’s less certain is his Celtic future, and Reo Hatate faces a battle to make Hajime Moriyasu’s squad for the tournament.
It will be a home World Cup for the USA, for whom Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers are battling for a place in the squad.
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