Kieran Tierney has expressed his gratitude to Scotland manager Steve Clarke for remaining steadfast in his support, even during times when the defender was facing limited playing opportunities at his club. Despite experiencing reduced minutes at Arsenal last season, Tierney noted that Clarke consistently maintained his trust in him as a member of the national team. Tierney commended Clarke for instilling confidence in his players, particularly during a challenging period when he was not a regular starter for Arsenal.
During an appearance on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Tierney shared, “All the managers I’ve had hold a special place for different reasons. However, Steve Clarke’s loyalty to me stood out last season when I wasn’t getting as much playing time, often coming on as a substitute. Despite this, when I joined up with the Scotland squad, he continued to start me. His belief in me, which is evident throughout the entire team, instilled the confidence that we can compete against strong teams and maintain possession.”
Tierney emphasized the significance of Steve Clarke in his career, expressing his enduring gratitude. He recounted that when he made the move to Arsenal, he thanked Clarke because national team matches provided an opportunity for others to assess his performance, which served as motivation during phases of the previous season when playing time was limited.