Scotland manager Steve Clarke has pointed out an area of Kieran Tierney’s game that doesn’t get much attention, his ability to be a danger during set-pieces. With the Celtic-bound defender in the squad to face Iceland, it’ll be interesting to see if Clarke lets him push forward more often.
With Tierney set to return to Celtic next month, focus is beginning to turn to how the 28-year-old will be used both at club and international level. While his overlapping runs and defensive work rate are well known, Clarke hinted there’s more to Tierney’s game that isn’t spoken about often, particularly his threat in the box during set-pieces.
Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson
REUTERS/Lee Smith
With Scotland taking on Iceland later tonight, all eyes will be on the starting line-up and how Clarke uses Tierney. The left-back has been a mainstay for the national team when fit, often playing on the left of a back three, but his attacking threat remains important to Scotland.
Clarke said: (PLZ Soccer), “He keeps telling me I’ve got to put him forward for set-plays because he scored a goal from one in his last game against Southampton!“
Tierney finished the season well at Arsenal, showing not just solid defending but also getting a goal from a set piece, something he doesn’t often do. That kind of threat could help both Scotland and Celtic in games where set-pieces make the difference.
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It’s not clear yet if Clarke will let Tierney get into the box against Iceland, but it would be a small change to how he’s used. He’s normally part of a back three or left-back, and usually stays back during corners and free-kicks.
Brendan Rodgers will be watching with interest. With Tierney set to return to Celtic, his pace, experience and added attacking threat could will undoubtedly help the Hoops at next season, especially at corners and wide free-kicks.
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