Dalglish believes Tierney will excel for Scotland following pitch switch

Kenny Dalglish believes Kieran Tierney is capable of emulating former Celtic star Danny McGrain's long-term versatility with Scotland.

Kenny Dalglish
Published 3rd Oct 2017

Gordon Strachan's men host Slovakia at Hampden on Thursday night before their final 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovenia and are looking for two wins which would surely secure a play-off spot.

Tierney, 20, has established himself as the left-back at Parkhead but is likely to again be shuffled to right-back with Liverpool's talented Andrew Robertson occupying his normal berth on the left.

Dalglish's former Hoops team-mate McGrain would often move to the left to allow Rangers' Sandy Jardine to stay at right-back for Scotland and he is confident Tierney can adapt just as successfully.

"It depends if Tierney feels comfortable enough at right-back," said Scotland's record cap holder Dalglish, who made 102 appearances. "He's certainly good enough to play there.

"We never bring so many players through and we bring through two in the one position who are very, very good in the same position and the young boy Anthony Ralston (of Celtic) might not be too bad either in years to come.

"There are a few coming through. That can only be beneficial for everyone."

Dalglish, Scotland's joint record goalscorer with 30 goals, played at three World Cup finals - in 1974, 1978 and 1982 - and hopes Scotland return to football's top stage for the first time in 20 years.

He said: "You only get there if you deserve to get there and Gordon and the team have given themselves a fantastic chance and opportunity.

"If we hadn't lost the last minute goal (2-2) against England - it wasn't even the last minute, it was the last second - that would have made a hell of a difference but we have two big games now."

:: Kenny Dalglish was speaking at the SFA Grassroots Awards supported by McDonald's at Hampden Park. Find out more about all the winners at mcdonalds.co.uk/award