Doors open for Celtic duo on World Cup international scene after injuries

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There was unfortunate news for former Celtic hero Kieran Tierney this week when it was announced his Arsenal season was over.

The defender has had to undergo surgery on a knee problem that kept him out of the Gunners’ recent defeat against Crystal Palace.

Now he’s struggling to make Scotland’s World Cup play-off against Ukraine, which is provisionally scheduled for June.

Likewise, Everton full-back Nathan Patterson has also needed surgery over the last week, meaning he could miss out on the huge match for Steve Clarke’s side.

Neither of these injuries should be seen as good news, but there is a silver lining for Celtic duo Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston.

Taylor is already regularly involved in Clarke’s international squad and he even started the recent match against Poland at Hampden on the left flank in a 3-5-2 formation.

Tierney’s injury gives him a leg up in the pecking order especially given his fine form this season which has helped catapult Celtic on the way to a potential league title.

The Arsenal defender often plays on the left of a three-man defence which wouldn’t suit Taylor, but beyond Andy Robertson he’d be the most trusted left-sided star.

Meanwhile, Ralston didn’t even make Clarke’s last squad which bemused a lot of Celtic fans who have greatly appreciated his performances for the Bhoys this term.

Patterson’s absence could see a door open for the 23-year-old. It certainly should given he is having a far better campaign than Stephen O’Donnell of Motherwell.

The injuries to the two full-backs could even see Clarke resort to a four-man defence, slotting Robertson into his natural position, which would be even more beneficial for Ralston on the other side.

Aaron Hickey remains a competitor on both flanks.

Ralston and Taylor have their own Celtic ambitions at the end of the season but a spurt of good form would do their chances of Scotland inclusion and increased roles within that set-up no harm at all.

With a World Cup looming, it’s a fine extra incentive to remain dialled in and focused on performing well.

In other news, Referee given first Celtic game since 2020; controversial decision slated by pundits last time.