Kieran Tierney had to be replaced after just 42 minutes of Scotland’s 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland, leaving Arsenal fans fearing the worst, but it seems like he will be ok.

When Arsenal fans realised that Kieran Tierney had been replaced by his good friend, Celtic’s Greg Taylor, after just 42 minutes of the UEFA Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland, it was natural to fear the worst given his history.

With Tottenham next on the horizon for Arsenal, and doubts over Oleksandr Zinchenko’s fitness, his loss would have been a massive blow.

Speaking after the game, Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, had this to say about Tierney and Aaron Hickey, who was also taken off; “Both of them are okay.

“We took Kieran off as a precaution. Aaron felt a tightness, so we took him off as a precaution.

“Like you say, we have good strength in depth, Tony Ralston and Greg Taylor come off the bench, both good players and both fitted in no problem.

“Which is why we do the work and why I try to have continuity in my selection, they know exactly what’s required of them.”

Tierney had taken a kick to the back of the head and was seen remonstrating with his coaches that he wanted to remain on the pitch.

Tierney has missed 48 games for Arsenal since he signed from Celtic in 2019, which is already six more than he missed through injury in Glasgow over five years.