Arsenal have confirmed Kieran Tierney is well ahead of schedule in his bid to return to action.

The former Celtic defender has been out since December 9 when he suffered a dislocated shoulder against West Ham. But the 22-year-old has already took part in group training sessions with the Gunners first-team.

His initial return date was pencilled in for mid-March, but now the club have revealed he should be back in full training by the end of this month. From the club's official website, their update on Tierney read: "Good progress being made in rehabilitation process and has commenced participation in group training sessions. Aiming to be in back in full training by the end of February."

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney in full training with Arsenal and Mikel Arteta after shoulder injury

The news will be welcome to Scotland boss Steve Clarke who has been forced to leave the player out of his previous squads due to injuries. We told how Tierney had previously been nursing a hernia issue and a thigh problem before his shoulder injury - where he underwent surgery.

Tierney faces a rush to return for the Tartan Army who welcome Israel to Hampden on March 26 in the Nations League play-offs. It could be the first time £25million man KT links up with Scotland's new head coach.