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Soccer

Former Scotland manager offers words of encouragement for injured Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney

Former Scotland manager offers words of encouragement for injured Arsenal defender Kieran TierneyGetty

Gordon Strachan is hoping for the best for Kieran Tierney.

Tierney was forced to leave Scotland's 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Wednesday with an apparent leg injury, which comes on the heels of two hamstring tears suffered during his season-long loan at Real Sociedad.

The 27-year-old has been hampered with injuries throughout his career, but Strachan lauded the Arsenal defender for always working his way back.

“First of all, we don't know how bad the injury is yet," Strachan told Genting Casino. "We’ll find out in a day or two and I’ll have my fingers crossed for him. He’s had these problems a couple of times before during his career, and when you talk about a player’s character, these are the moments when its on display.”

Strachan was the Scotland manager when Tierney earned his first cap in 2016, and he urged his former player to not allow the latest setback affect his desire to be on the pitch.

“Kieran’s character can never be doubted," he said. "His character will get him through this again. I've always said to players that have been out injured for long periods – six months or whatever, and Kieran’s had a couple of those – don't think about it as you’ve lost six months, just add it on to the end of your career.

"If you're thinking about packing in at 33, pack in at 33-and-a-half.”

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