Kieran Tierney was the name on everyone’s lips on Tuesday night after he fired Scotland into a 3–2 lead against Denmark with a sensational 94th-minute strike.

Coming off the bench and slotting in at right-back, the ball fell to the former Arsenal defender who curled a brilliant effort beyond Kasper Schmeichel from outside the box, a goal worthy of the occasion and one that perfectly summed up Tierney’s quality.

Minutes later, Kenny McLean produced an outrageous finish from the halfway line to seal a 4–2 win and spark wild celebrations as Scotland booked their place at the World Cup, their first since 1998.

For Tierney, who is currently Celtic’s only fit left-back, it was a moment of pure redemption and joy after a difficult spell with injuries.

His performance was praised across the football world, and the reaction even reached Westminster.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Keir Starmer, an Arsenal supporter, opened proceedings by congratulating Scotland on their “magnificent victory” and highlighting Tierney’s contribution.

He said: “I want to start by congratulating Scotland on their magnificent victory last night, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. They qualified with fantastic goals, including a cracker from former Arsenal player Kieran Tierney. He was always a favourite with the fans.” [The National]

Tierney’s strike, Scotland’s qualification and the full-time scenes that followed capped off a memorable night for the national team and gave Celtic supporters another reminder of just how important the defender is as he edges further back to his best.

He’s maybe not had the start at Celtic that many expected him to, but he’s growing game by game.

He now looks like he’s fully up to speed and ready to start against St Mirren on Saturday night. It’s an 8 pm kick-off in Paisley.

On the other side of defence, Antony Ralston is the only fit right back. Alistair Johnston has undergone surgery, and Colby Donovan was stretchered off for Scotland U-21s this international break.

An X-ray came back clear, but he was still sent back to Celtic, where further tests will be carried out.