Kieran Tierney: Micah Richards makes Arsenal star claim

By Jordan Harris

Micah Richards has told BBC Two (broadcast on 21/6; 22:20) that he loves watching Kieran Tierney and labelled the Arsenal star one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

Tierney made a superb return to the Scotland side on Friday. He was one of several outstanding performers as Steve Clarke’s side drew at Wembley.

The result handed the Scots a Euro 2020 lifeline. And they now know that victory over Croatia at Hampden Park in their final game will be enough to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

Tierney could have a key role to play on Tuesday. Not only is he a key member of the backline as a centre-back, but he is also someone Scotland may be relying on to produce a moment of quality in the final third.

Clarke’s side had real joy down their left flank against England, with Tierney and Andrew Robertson combining superbly at times.

Robertson is obviously the captain. But Richards was full of praise for the Arsenal defender ahead of a massive day for the Scottish national team.

“With Tierney, I like him because he’s so versatile,” he told BBC Two. “We see him playing for Arsenal as a left-back, we see him playing in the three at the back for Scotland.

“But he’s not afraid to go forward. He goes in there with real quality, real endeavour. He works so hard, never pulls out of a challenge. I love watching him, I really do. He’s one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.”

Kieran Tierney could stake further claim for being future Arsenal captain by helping lead Scotland to last 16

For some time, Arsenal fans have tipped Tierney to be a future captain of the Gunners.

Of course, it will be how his Emirates career plays out that largely determines whether he one day takes the armband.

But playing his part in leading Scotland to a superb achievement this summer would certainly help his cause.