Kieran Tierney claim clamped as Sociedad boss sets the record straight about Mestalla Magician's hasty exit

Star turn Kieran Tierney has swerved serious injury as speculation surrounded his Real Sociedad exit after a stellar display in the 1-0 win over Valencia.

The Scotland star was magic in Mestalla and his stunning assist for Carlos Fernadez's was the difference between the teams as sole strike came before the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Selim Amallah was given his marching orders. Tierney then put it all on the line as he blocked a likely Valencia goal minutes before he exited the game in the 72nd minute. Reports in the Basque Country hinted the Arsenal loanee was facing time on the sidelines but boss Imanol Alguacil is adamant the Celtic merely needed a breather.

Speaking after the big win, Alguacil said: "Knock on wood because I don't think we have serious injuries, today I was able to refresh, but everyone ended up dead. Turrientes and Tierney asked for a change, it was Cho and Carlos's first full games. Zubimendi and Brais came on later and they were dead. Zubimendi lacked energy.

"I have chosen others who have played less, some even knowing that it was going to take a long time, but the thing is that those who have come off the bench have suffered against 10 men. It is important that everyone contributes because if not it's going to be impossible to keep up with this pace."

Tierney earned man of the match honours as he once again proved his worth to Sociedad a week after he earned a weighty comparison with Roberto Carlos for his all-action display in the 1-1 draw with Inter in their Champions League opener.