Kieran Tierney has opened up in detail about the knee injury that has left him watching on as Scotland bid to secure a spot in the World Cup finals.
The former Celtic defender missed Arsenal's English Premier League run in as the Gunners missed out on Champions League football next season to North London rivals Tottenham.
He noticed the first sign of the issue in his knee while playing against Wolves, but carried on playing for both club and country as he felt no pain.
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It wasn't until he was doing some gym work that he felt his left knee click and at that point he knew it was time to get it checked it out.
One scan later and the all-action Scotland defender was suddenly going under the knife to fix the issue and spending up to three months out.
KT's attitude means he has always looks for the positives and to try and get fit ahead of the timeline set by doctors and specialists.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Lewis Morgan desperate for Scotland recall and reveals 'disappointment' at missing out
Speaking to the Scottish Sun about his injury woe, he said: “We played Wolves at home in February and I felt something in my knee in the first half.
“I told the physios and we tested it. But it was fine and it also wasn’t that sore.
“I carried on playing for Arsenal, then reported for Scotland duty and played twice with no problems. I came back completely fine. Then I was doing some leg exercises in the gym and my left knee clicked.
“I instinctively felt it wasn’t right and that I should probably go for a scan.
“I wasn’t in any great pain. I’d played for Arsenal and we’d been winning, then for Scotland I got a goal and an assist. So there had been nothing to worry about after that Wolves match.
“But the scan result came back and suddenly I’m needing an op. It was so unfortunate.
“But after that click I just knew it wasn’t normal.
“The verdict was 12 weeks — and it was gutting when I realised the games I’d miss for Arsenal and Scotland. However, there was nothing I could do about it.
“Instantly, I just wanted to know from the specialist and the physios what it was going to take to get back quickly.
“Whenever I have been given a timeframe for recovery I’ve always aimed to get back earlier.
“I push myself as hard as I can, it’s the only way I know.
“It’s tough working full days in the gym on your own. But you’ve got to keep on pushing yourself. There’s no point feeling sorry for yourself. I don’t look for or expect sympathy from anyone.
"At the end of the day I’m lucky to be a footballer — and I never take anything for granted. I’m a NIGHTMARE for the physios. I’m always on at them to get me back quicker.
“And I’m a terrible spectator. Not being able to do anything to help the team, I hate it. My target is to be back for the end of June and the start of pre-season at Arsenal. I’m on course for that. My rehab’s going well.
“And I can’t give the Arsenal sports science, fitness and medical staff enough credit. They are absolutely top notch. I couldn’t wish for a better support set-up here.
“Mentally and physically, the club provides every possible back-up for the players.
“And I’m certainly not looking for any medals because I’m working hard. That’s just what footballers — indeed everybody in life — needs to do.”
