Andy Robertson’s rise from part-time prospect to Scotland captain is a message of hope for players of the future.
Liverpool defender Robertson’s career trajectory has been well documented, from playing on amateur terms with Queen’s Park to appearing in the Champions League final, and the latest chapter was added yesterday when manager Alex McLeish handed him the armband.
Robertson’s first chance to lead out his country will come on Friday night against Belgium at Hampden Park, three days before the Uefa Nations League qualifier against Albania.
Scotland assistant manager Peter Grant has been thrilled with Robertson’s influence on the rest of the squad and holds up the former Dundee United man as an example to the future generation.
Grant said: “It’s a fantastic story. The games we have been here Andy has been here and he has been magnificent around the group. I think it is great for young players. It is the sort of story that gives hope to young players these days.
“There are so many getting released at a young age and thinking it is the end of the world. But I think Andy’s proof that if you get that you have to keep fighting – it is one man’s opinion or one club’s opinion. It is remarkable going from selling food at Hampden to leading the team out there.
“We talk about grassroots, for me that is the ultimate – you get released from one club and think it is the end and then go amateur and all of a sudden you bounce back and you are playing in Champions League finals and playing exceptionally well in a fantastically talented side.
“The way he has led the group, the experience he has gained good and bad through that time sets him in good stead. It’s a fantastic story.
“There’s a lot of young players involved in the squad and I think they see what he achieved last year, obviously getting to the Champions League final and the way he conducted himself, has been incredible.”
The Scotland squad has been hit by a series of injury withdrawals in the past few days, with Matt Phillips, Tom Cairney and yesterday Oli McBurnie dropping out for the double-header. Ryan Jack and Robert Snodgrass were added to the group, while Hearts striker Steven Naismith was a late addition to the squad yesterday.
Scotland countdown, Page 70
