Scotland are both fortunate and unfortunate when it comes to Andy Robertson and Celtic hero Kieran Tierney.
On the one hand, the boyhood Celtic fans are two of Steve Clarke’s best players, and a reason why Scotland have reached major tournaments in recent times, and will probably secure their 2026 World Cup final ticket.
But, on the other hand, Tierney and Robertson play in the same position, so it makes Clarke’s life even more difficult to get them into the same XI.
Robertson is a regular for Liverpool, and he has been one of their best players since joining the club in 2017, whilst Tierney has returned to Celtic, in the hope that he writes more history with Scotland’s most successful club.
So, what does Clarke do ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially given that Tierney’s game time will increase now that he is back in familiar colours?!
Boyhood Celtic fans Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson in action for Scotland.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Scott Brown on Andy Robertson and Celtic hero Kieran Tierney playing together
Scott Brown has shared a pitch with Tierney, and understands his game inside out, whilst he would have admired Robertson from afar.
The legendary midfielder acknowledges the difficult position Clarke is in, but thinks he should stick to playing a back three/five, with Tierney as a left-sided centre-back, and the Scotland skipper as a left-sided wing-back.
Speaking on BBC Scotland, Brown defended what Clarke is doing, especially some of the criticism that has been coming his way.
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“It’s hard because they are two quality left-backs,” said Brown. “Kieran can play that left centre-half position as well, and they have a good relationship playing that formation (five at the back) as well.
“Kieran goes forward, and Robbo sits in and protects. Both of them are great crossers of the ball. They have got pace going forward as well, and they are willing to defend.
“You want your top-quality players. Sometimes, you have to chop and change your formation to get what is best. When Steve (Clarke) has done really well, he has had that back three, and Kieran has played on that left side, so I can see why he wants to stay with that.
“See, sometimes if you aren’t going to have much of the ball. Sometimes, you have to sit behind and you have to counter. To be fair, there is a lot of pace in the Scotland team when everyone is fit.
“If they can do that, and do what they have been doing in the past, then I am all up for chopping and changing formation, but the lads need to know how they are going to play. They need to have structure.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV7ke84O6NQ
Robertson and Tierney’s record for Scotland
Tierney’s move to Celtic is perfect timing for Scotland because it means he will now probably play the best football he has played in a long time during these next 12 months, and ahead of the World Cup.
None of this sitting on the bench at club level or getting loaned out, this is now Tierney’s chance to reach those big heights again, and if he does, then he can add another major tournament to his record.
Tierney’s games for Scotland Goals Assists Clean sheets Tournaments qualified for
50 1 4 21 2
Robertson’s games for Scotland Goals Assists Clean sheets Tournaments qualified for
84 4 10 33 2
Either way, if those two on the left side are on form, then it makes everyone else in the Scotland team breathe a lot easier.