Evening Standard
·19 June 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·19 June 2024
Arsenal defender stretchered off in Cologne
Scotland will be without Kieran Tierney for their must-win Euro 2024 clash with Hungary on Sunday.
The Arsenal defender, who spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad, was stretchered off during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Tierney was replaced by Scott McKenna in the 61st minute as the Scots held on to ensure their campaign goes on until at least the final group game.
Three points on Sunday would see Scotland end the group stage with a tally of four, putting them in a strong position to qualify as one of the best-placed third place teams.
Manager Steve Clarke was already without defenders Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson due to injuries before the tournament, while Ryan Porteous is suspended following his red card during the 5-1 defeat to Germany in the opening game.
Speaking of Tierney’s injury after the game, Clarke said: “He's definitely out. It looks pretty bad, obviously we have to assess it, but Kieran won't make the next game.
“You have to feel for him, he's got himself into great shape, he's a top player for us who does ever so well. But it's a chance for someone else to step in and step up to the mark."
Of the performance, Clarke added: “This is the way we have been playing as a team for the last three or four years. It is why we are here at a major tournament.
"I thought it was a good team performance against a good opponent.
"It was a good reaction to a disappointing night and we are still alive in the tournament.
"Sometimes as a player or manager it doesn't go your way and it certainly didn't go our way on Friday night.
"Tonight was about getting back to what we are good at, working hard, making sure we got the preparation right, and I think we did.
"They are going to feel a lot better going into the next game on the back of that kind of performance.”