Kieran Tierney was forced off the pitch during the first half due to a head injury. Steve Clarke later described the replacement of Tierney as more of a ‘precaution’ than anything serious. Tierney went down after a challenge from Troy Parrott, his third head injury in the first half. Tierney insisted he was fine to the medical assistant, though he was ultimately replaced by current Celtic full-back Greg Taylor, who had an outstanding game for the national side.
The Arsenal star plays a huge role in the Scottish team, so it came as a blow to lose him so early in the match. That said, Greg Taylor is a more than suitable replacement for Tierney, as he is currently playing his part in the extremely in-form Celtic team and helped set up the Scotland equaliser from Jack Hendry.
Scotland persevered and managed to defeat the Republic of Ireland 2-1, despite the loss of Tierney, to top the group and now need to avoid defeat on Tuesday night against Ukraine in Poland to win the group.
Aaron Hickey also received a knock in the second half and was replaced by Anthony Ralson. Speaking to Premier Sports after the match, the Scottish gaffer compliments the depth of the squad he has and clarifies the injury situation regarding Tierney and Hickey.
“Both of them are okay. We took Kieran off as a precaution. Aaron felt a bit of tightness and we took him off as a precaution because we have strength in depth.
“Tony and Greg coming off the bench are good players and fitted in no problem which is why I try to have continuity of selection.”
Tierney may be fit for Scotland’s next match against Ukraine in Warsaw. Scotland only needs one point from the match to secure their place at the top of Group B.
🏴 Scotland manager Steve Clarke on his team's performance, and his players' commitment, in their 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland
"They're desperate to do well for their country, and they showed that again tonight." 🗣️#SCOROI | @ScotlandNT pic.twitter.com/x09Kfy41WH
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 24, 2022
“The fans certainly drove us to victory; they’re here and they’re always here… I’m sure they’ll go home tonight, maybe have a few pints and enjoy the result.”
Tonight’s skipper @jmcginn7 reflects on a big win and winning his 50th Scotland cap.#SCOIRL pic.twitter.com/sFQWpWO6V7
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 24, 2022
🔊 Volume up!
A rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland at Hampden ahead of this game! pic.twitter.com/JSJYp4zadi
— Football Scotland (@Football_Scot) September 24, 2022
