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Kieran Tierney has withdrawn from the Scotland squad following Celtic’s 1-0 defeat against Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon…

13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Dujon Sterling of Rangers and Kieran Tierney of Celtic challenge for the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

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.

Kieran 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.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Kieran Tierney of Celtic arrives for the match. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

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 KT 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 Kieran 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 the Rangers, and their Premiership advantage has been reduced to two points.

Steve Clarke, Manager of Scotland, speaks with Kieran Tierney during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Morocco at Boston Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Celtic are out of both the Champions League and the Premier Sports Cup and are also on the back foot in the Europa League after the opening night home defeat to Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros last Thursday night.

The three defeats on the bounce has left Martin O’Neill taking a few days away to consider his own position at the club, having been reportedly left frustrated by the club’s failing in the summer transfer market which has left the team with a major weakness in the middle of the park.

1st March 2026; Ibrox Scottish Premiership the Rangers versus Celtic; Kieran Tierney of Celtic celebrates after he heads the ball and scores. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

As far as Kieran Tierney is concerned he should perhaps have a think about his international future if he wants to prolong his playing career. His injury situation must be a concern and he needs to manage his game-time and the amount of games he can put his body through in any given season.

If that limitation is there then he really has to priorities Celtic.

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