A lot of Celtic fans will be glad to see Kieran Tierney back in Scotland colours.
The Arsenal left-back has been fit and available for many months now after suffering a hamstring injury for Scotland at Euro 2024.
That kept out Tierney up until December, but for every game since then, he has been sitting on Arsenal’s bench and used sporadically by his manager, Mikel Arteta.
That’s probably why Tierney will return to Celtic this summer and that’s something to look forward to for the fans.
Of course, the 27-year-old will return and try to claim that left-back spot, with Jeffrey Schlupp on a deal until the end of the season and Greg Taylor’s contract expiring in the summer.
But on the Scotland stage, Steve Clarke is being told to make a move with Tierney that would push his future Celtic teammate to the bench.
Photo by MENELAOS MYRILLAS/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by MENELAOS MYRILLAS/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images
Scotland told to play Kieran Tierney at right-back ahead of Anthony Ralston
Scotland beat Greece in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League A/B tie on Thursday and Tierney was a substitute, with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson ahead of him.
Ralston was excellent at right-back and helped his country keep a much-deserved clean sheet.
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But it was suggested that, ahead of the second leg, Ralston should be dropped to the bench and Tierney should be used on that side instead.
That suggestion was shut down by former Celtic man Mark Wilson and he explained how Ralston is always there for club and country, as he told Go Radio.
On Scotland playing Tierney as a right-back: “Kind of square pegs in round holes with that one,” responded Wilson.
“I don’t think Ralston has done bad in that position. The problem with Ralston, and his full career, with Celtic or Scotland, is he is a bit of the whipping boy because he isn’t the glamorous name.
“I don’t think he ever lets Celtic down. I can very rarely remember him letting Scotland down, especially in that back four. When Steve Clarke has gone that way, with Ralston in there, I don’t think he is going to then upset the balance of that.
“That’s the key thing, the balance of your back four is going to be crucial, especially when you have got no width and you are going to rely on Ralston, a right-sided player, getting up on the right-hand side, you don’t want him to keep checking back.
“He has played in major Championships as well. Big games for Scotland. Champions League games for Celtic. Why would you change him? Anthony Ralston isn’t a bad player. He is a very good player to get to that level.
“Just because he is playing for a top side like Celtic and Alistair Johnston is ahead of him, it doesn’t mean he is a bad player, and similar with Scotland.
“Just because Aaron Hickey would be the number one, it doesn’t mean Anthony Ralston is a bad player. He does a good job and it’s the right call.”
Ralston’s stats for Celtic and Scotland
Yes, Ralston might not be this all-attacking and fancy fullback, but one thing he does do is make sure the opposition is in for a tough time.
Before the international break, Celtic were beaten by Rangers and Alistair Johnston didn’t have a great game.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Brendan Rodgers to drop Johnston to the bench and give Ralston some much-needed minutes because, for club and country, he is always a solid performer.
Tournament Apps Mins Goals Assists MotM Rating
UEFA Nations League A Qualification Scotland 1 89 – – 1 7.94
Premiership 5(7) 551 1 2 1 6.80
UEFA Nations League A Scotland 6 525 – 1 – 6.72
Champions League 0(3) 62 – – – 6.42