Kieran Tierney being left out of the Scotland set-up at Arsenal’s request may have set an interesting precedent concerning Celtic for future international squads.
The former Bhoys left-back, who departed the club for £25million in August, wasn’t included by national boss Steve Clarke as he announced his side for the upcoming matches against Cyprus and Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
“Arsenal asked us not to select him,” the former Kilmarnock boss said. (BBC)
“Kieran has an ongoing issue that Arsenal are keen to address in the next international break.”
Tierney omission could perk up Celtic ears
While little else was revealed by Clarke, there are some question marks over what Tierney’s issue really is. The 22-year-old has taken some time to get up to speed with proceedings in London but he has featured in each of Arsenal’s last four matches.
Tierney has started three of those games including the most recent – their draw at home to Wolves on Saturday. He played 88 minutes of that game before making way in a late tactical substitution. No injury was present.
The most reasonable explanation is that Arsenal want to keep the full-back under their control while he continues his return from injury. However, that sets an interesting precedent where Celtic may be concerned.
Our main national team representatives – Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Ryan Christie – are all mainstays in our side. They feature in pretty much every club match and have a big say on the international scene too.
Much has been made about the need for McGregor and Forrest, in particular, to be rested. It is felt that they play too many games and are at risk of burning out. If Scotland are now affording Tierney a similar luxury – surely we could demand our players are left out.
Scotland would struggle badly without that Celtic trio. But then again, that’s not really our problem is it?
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