KIERAN TIERNEY is hoping to be ready to face England next weekend so he can test himself against some of the best players in the world. The Celtic full-back is still recovering from a mouth injury sustained in last weekend’s Scottish Cup final win over Aberdeen but was included in Monday’s revised Scotland squad for the match against the Auld Enemy at Hampden a week on Saturday.
The 19 year-old missed the World Cup qualifying tie at Wembley in November due to injury and has never faced England at any age level. He hopes to finally get that chance on June 10 so he can pit his wits against the likes of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It is a massive game and I missed the last one against England when I was injured. I have never played against England at any level. I never really played for the youths with Scotland so getting capped is great. You always look forward to challenging yourself against the best players.
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“Sterling is a world class player and when I played against him in the Champions League this season it was a good battle. That’s what makes you a better player, testing yourself against players of that quality.
“At Celtic, I do it in training against James Forrest, Paddy Roberts and Scott Sinclair – they are the best as well. For me, training against these guys every day makes me a better player.”
Tierney was a surprise selection at right-back in the previous Scotland game against Slovenia and would not object if asked by Gordon Strachan to do so again.
“The last time I went with Scotland, I didn’t know I was going to be playing right back. I just thought there were too many left backs and that I’d been moved across in training to make up a team. When I was told I’d be playing there, I was delighted to be starting but it was a surprise to be on the other side. It was the first time I’d done that.
“But as a player, it helps you to develop when you experience different positions. Versatility is a thing some managers look at, so it’s good.”
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