Muirhouse and Arsenal star Kieran Tierney is critical to the way Scotland head coach Steve Clarke operates his side, according to former national team striker Kris Boyd.
The defender has recovered from an ankle injury in time to start tonight's match with Moldova in World Cup 2022 qualifying Group F.
Victory would secure a play-off spot at the major tournament in Qatar next year and the former Celtic star's importance to the nation's goals has been highlighted.
Tierney of Muirhouse plays centre-back for Clarke, despite being a left-back at club level, and he starts alongside Liam Cooper and Jack Hendry for the first time tonight.
Boyd believes Tierney's connection to left-back Andy Robertson is why the Arsenal star is a guaranteed pick for Clarke.
"To have him back, Kieran Tierney is crucial for how Steve Clarke wants to build this Scotland team," Boyd told Sky Sports.
"He's missed the last few games because of injury but was on the bench last weekend for Arsenal. He gives that quality from the back.
"He has that connection with Andy Robertson on the left. Scott McTominay's absence is a blow but Liam Cooper is Leeds United captain and is more than capable of playing at this level.
"Jack Hendry has to do what McTominay has done in the past at the back."
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