Scotland left back Kieran Tierney has no qualms about missing out on an extended summer break due to his involvement with the national team.
Tierney played as a centre back in a five-man backline as Scotland drew 2-2 against England in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
The 20-year-old will return to pre-season training with Celtic on June 19, the same day as the draw for the second qualifying round for the Champions League will be made.
Tierney, who has enjoyed an impressive rise to prominence with the Hoops in the last two seasons, says the demanding schedule is part of the commitment he must make.
He said: “That’s the mindset you need as a footballer. If you want to be at the top of your profession then you don’t get much rest.
“I had four days away and now I have 10 days off where I can recharge the batteries. During that time I’ll still be working to make sure I’m sharp for pre-season.
“The sports scientist at Celtic has devised a programme which is unique for each individual.
“There’s not too much in it as I won’t lose much fitness in 10 days and I still need to recover and rest after a long season but I’ll still work hard.
“We all know what it’s like now with six games to reach the Champions League. That’s the way it is in Scotland and we have to knuckle down and get on with it.”
Tierney has urged his Scotland team-mates to rally after the heartache on missing out on a famous Auld Enemy victory, adding: “It was just a rollercoaster – Leigh’s two free kicks were incredible. To do that against a top-class goalkeeper means he’s due a lot of credit.
“Then the goal at the end is a sucker-punch and it feels like a defeat because of when it came.
“If the second one goes in and it stays at 2-1 then it’s the fairytale, isn’t it?
“For us we need to kick on in the remaining games and get the results we need.”