APPEARANCES are often misleading. Take Motherwell midfielder Ross Tierney, for example. A cursory glance at his career would suggest that his rise to the top of the Scottish game has been both effortless and painless.
The Dubliner, after all, made his debut for Bohemians aged 18, notching the opening goal in a 2-0 victory League of Ireland Cup quarter-final victory over Cork City.

He then came off the bench in his first appearance for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 side to score the winner against Australia with his first touch.

Tierney made his European debut as a 20-year-old and scored against F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg in only his second outing. His last appearance for his first senior club came in the final of the FAI Cup last December.

This afternoon he’ll have the chance for more glory when Motherwell host Hibernian in the last eight of the Scottish Cup (his first taste of the competition came in the fourth round against Morton when he was the extra-time substitute who earned a penalty in the come-from-behind 2-1 victory). His first goal for the Steelmen was a last-minute equaliser away to St Mirren.

So far, so smooth. Except that isn’t the case at all. Tierney has, in fact, had more to cope with than most as he’s battled his way out of the rough Ballymun area of the capital.

Two older brothers had also turned professional but succumbed to temptation and failed to fulfil their potential. Another, Aaron, committed suicide in 2020 while his first child, Leon, born the previous year, required four life-saving operations.

Now Tierney claims that Aaron (“my best friend”) inspired him to become a professional footballer while Alan and Dean’s tough love showed him how easy it can be to fail.

“My two brothers were decent footballers but chose different routes in life: I think that probably helped because they were able to tell me what not to do,” said the 21-year-old.

“I heard loads of stories about them growing up. They both had a great chance of making it, but didn’t. They made promises to my mam and, when I did as well, she said she’d heard all this before: hopefully, I can do better.

“My eldest brother Alan’s nickname was ‘Monster.’ Everyone was afraid to go into a tackle with him. I’m 5’ 6” and he was 6’ 3” but I was on the receiving end of a few Monster tackles when I was young. That helps now because I can just bounce back up after getting smashed.

“Alan played for Tolka Rovers and Shelbourne. He started off at Home Farm in the same team as Alan Maybury.

“My other brother, Dean, was also at Home Farm and played with Darren O’Dea all the way through the age groups.

“The manager at the time said he would hang his hat on Dean making it. Unfortunately, Dean and Alan loved a drink too much. It didn't help that Dean only had one kidney.

“It’s been beneficial for me to be born last and they’re making sure I don't make the same mistakes. Growing up in Ballymun, it’s either sink or swim. I think it helped me playing on the street with all the older boys.”

Meanwhile, he’s hoping for the victory at lunchtime today which would provide him with the opportunity to play at Scotland’s national stadium.

“We have a chance of a semi-final place,” he said. “I know our results in the league haven’t been great this year but we’ve won our cup ties and we’re still positive because we’re only one point off fourth place.

“Plus, if we can reach the last four, I might get to play at Hampden, which would be another bonus.”