Kieran Tierney has struggled for game time at Arsenal this season.
The Scotland international missed majority of the first half of the season with injury and have faced stiff competition from summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko.
He only played a full game twice this season and has amassed over 427 minutes on the pitch.
“It’s been tough,” Tierney told Arsenal.com when he talked about his start to the season.
“I missed pre-season coming back from an injury, and the first game I played in was the Palace one – that was the first week of training that I had.
“I’ve just been trying to get minutes here and there so it’s been a tough start, but whether I’m first, second or third-choice, I’m just going to keep working hard and see where it takes me.”
The Arsenal left-back further commented on the increasing competition in the current squad.
“I wouldn’t say [competition] motivates me more, as whether I’m the only left-back or there’s five left-backs, I’m still motivated to play and to do well.
“Day-to-day, nothing changes in my life; if I’m playing or not I’m just working as hard as I possibly can. I train hard, and if the manager calls on me, I’m ready.
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