Steve Clarke reveals Kieran Tierney picked up a knock in training, forcing the Arsenal defender to sit out Scotland’s Euro 2020 opener against the Czech Republic… but is hopeful the left back will be fit for England showdown at Wembley
Scotland boss Steve Clarke says Kieran Tierney picked up a ‘niggle’ in training which caused him to be left out of the squad for their Euro 2020 opener with the Czech Republic.
Tierney is a regular starter for the Tartan Army, with Clarke utilising the left back as a centre back while captain Andy Robertson plays on the left side of defence.
The Arsenal man is a big miss for Clarke’s side but the manager is hopeful he will be fit enough to face England at Wembley on Friday.
Kieran Tierney has been forced to sit out Scotland’s Euro 2020 opener with the Czech Republic
‘Kieran picked up a niggle in training this week,’ Clarke told the BBC. ‘He’s not ready for this one.’
Former Scotland boss Paul Lambert said losing the defender was a huge blow.
‘It’s massive,’ he told the BBC. ‘I think him and Andy Robertson down the left have been really strong. Hopefully it’s not going to hinder us but it’s certainly a blow.
Steve Clarke revealed the defender had picked up a knock in training before the game
The Scotland boss is hopeful the Arsenal man will be fit enough to face England at Wembley
‘I think him and Andy Robertson down the left have been really strong. Hopefully it’s not going to hinder us but it’s certainly a blow.’
Tierney spent part of the 2020-2021 campaign on the sidelines with a knee injury and has previously suffered hip and shoulder problems.
Clarke stuck with a back five despite Tierney’s absence, with Liam Cooper joining Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry as the centre backs.
Scotland are taking part in their first major tournament in 23 years after beating Serbia on penalties in their play-off match in November.
After facing the Czech Republic, the Scots will take on England at Wembley on June 18 before returning to Hampden Park for their final game against Croatia on June 22.
