Scotland defender Charlie Mulgrew sees no reason why Kieran Tierney can’t become a regular for the national team in the centre of defence.
Tierney, 20, captained Scotland in last week’s 1-0 defeat by Holland at Pittodrie and Mulgrew was full of praise for the Celtic defender’s contribution.
The Hoops player has already represented his country at right back and left back and Blackburn Rovers defender Mulgrew is hugely impressed by Tierney’s versatility.
Mulgrew said: “He’s top class. He showed his quality yet again.
“You see his determination. He threw himself into it. He is a great player and he leads by example.
“He can be very happy with his performance against Holland.
“Can he stay in that position? I don’t see why not.
“He’s a top player and a great guy, who is respected by all the boys.
“It doesn’t matter what age he is. There are experienced players alongside him but he’s already got a lot of experience despite being so young.
“It’s great to have him for Scotland.
“I know what it’s like to shift to centre half from left back. It’s a totally different picture of the game and a different department.
“It’s not easy, but he makes it look easy.
“He’s now played in a lot of different positions but he’s capable of doing just that.
“If you look right through Europe, centre halves are all comfortable on the ball and they build from the back.
“That’s the way it is these days. If you are comfortable with the ball it gives the midfield more time.
“First and foremost you are a defender but he is comfortable with that side of the game as well.
“You can understand why people are talking about him. The good thing is his feet are on the ground. He’s down to earth and doesn’t let anything faze him.”
Former Aberdeen player Mulgrew believes the likes of Tierney, John McGinn, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie, who all featured against the Dutch, are reasons for encouragement ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.
He said: “There’s plenty of positives going into the next campaign.
“We could talk all day but we need to go out and do it. There is a lot of quality in the squad and a lot of technically very good players.
“Sometimes people don’t give some of the lads the credit but it’s about getting the right results.
“There’s a lot to look forward to for the future.”
