Celtic can benefit from Kieran Tierney’s Scotland withdrawal | OneFootball

Kieran Tierney has withdrawn from the Scotland squad following Celtic’s 1-0 defeat against Rangers at Parkhead. The left-back was substituted towards the end of the game as Ryan Naderi’s strike secured the points for Derek McInnes’ side.

The Celtic defender had been selected for Scotland’s forthcoming Nations League fixtures but has now pulled out alongside Norwich midfielder Kenny McLean.

Tierney started Sunday’s Glasgow derby but was in an unnatural wing position, with Liam Scales moving across to the left side of the Celtic defence and Auston Trusty partnering CCV.

The precise nature and severity of Tierney’s problem has yet to be confirmed, but his withdrawal gives Martin O’Neill another fitness issue to monitor during the international break. It could be a blessing for Celtic given that Tierney has been playing so many games of late.

Scotland have called Blackburn midfielder Kristi Montgomery into the new-look squad following the withdrawals.

For Celtic, the break at least provides Tierney with an opportunity to recover without immediately facing another club fixture. O’Neill’s side entered the international window following three successive defeats, including two against Rangers, and their Premiership advantage has been reduced to two points.