Two SPFL stars among top 100 prospects in world football

Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney and Sam Nicholson of Hearts have been included in a list of the 100 best young players in world football.
Nicholson and Tierney in top 100. Pictures: TSPL/SNSNicholson and Tierney in top 100. Pictures: TSPL/SNS
Nicholson and Tierney in top 100. Pictures: TSPL/SNS

The online blog In Bed With Maradona bring out an annual list of footballers under the age of 23 to watch out for the following year.

Tierney and Nicholson are the only Scottish players to make it in for 2016, one fewer from last year’s tally when Andrew Robertson, John McGinn and Ryan Christie were included.

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In November each year the blog revisits their choices and gives them a grade based on their year’s work. All three players received a C+.

Nicholson has played regularly for Hearts over the past three seasons, including helping the side to the Ladbrokes Championsip crown. The 20-year-old has made 22 appearances this term, scoring three goals.

Tierney played only once for Celtic coming into this campaign, but the 18-year-old has been a revelation since usurping Emilio Izaguirre as the team’s first choice left back.

The pair sit alongside the likes of Dele Alli, Anthony Martial and Raheem Sterling in the top 100.

See the full list here.