Kieran Tierney has explained the decision not to turn out for Scotland for their Euro 2020 qualifier double-header against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.

Arsenal requested that their left-back be omitted from Steve Clarke's squad for the next round of games - before pitching him in from the start against Vitoria in Wednesday night's Europa League game.

That sparked questions from Scots who demanded Clarke refuse any more requests in future.

But after the Gunners' 1-1 draw in Portugal - where £25million man KT was praised for his showing - the defender came out in defence of the request of his club.

And he admitted he needs time to rest up for the good of his career.

He said: "Of course I want to play for my national team but I need to do what is best for my career long term and Scotland understand that.

"This was my second game in four days and towards the end I was tiring.

"So missing the Scotland games is probably the right decision because it means I am now going into the international break knowing I am getting a rest and recovery.

"My load has gone up and up since my operation so to get a rest will be beneficial and hopefully I’ll be ready for the next Scotland camp."