Liverpool’s Andy Robertson Thrives in Scotland’s World Cup Qualifier Journey
Andy Robertson says Scotland’s qualification high helped him through a testing season at Liverpool. He called international duty a welcome distraction during periods of limited club action.
Personal milestone and club form
The 32-year-old will reach 91 caps when he leads Scotland out at Hampden on Saturday. That will make him the country’s joint-second most-capped player, 11 behind Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Robertson has made 19 Premier League appearances this campaign. He completed just three full league games. Liverpool sit fifth in the table and Robertson is out of contract at Anfield this summer.
Why Scotland duty mattered
Robertson said the run of qualifiers between September and November gave him focus. He called the matches “big games” that kept him motivated.
He also reflected on chasing appearance records. Robertson matched Darren Fletcher previously and is closing on former goalkeeper Jim Leighton.
Upcoming warm-ups and preparation
Scotland return to Hampden Park on Saturday for the first time since the decisive win over Denmark. The match is the side’s first against a non-European nation at home since June 2018.
They then face Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Tuesday. Robertson said these fixtures offer valuable experience ahead of the World Cup finals.
Managerial approach and selection
Steve Clarke warned that some squad choices may surprise fans. Teenage attacker Findlay Curtis earned a first call-up. Centre-back Dominic Hyam and striker Tommy Conway were recalled to the squad.
Clarke suggested he may rotate personnel. He wants players fit for club season endings and ready for the summer tournament.
World Cup Group C schedule
| Match | Date | Location | UK time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haiti vs Scotland | June 14 | Boston | 02:00 |
| Scotland vs Morocco | June 19 | Boston | 23:00 |
| Scotland vs Brazil | June 24 | Miami | 23:00 |
Coaching view and tournament hopes
Assistant coach Steven Naismith said he is very optimistic about progressing from the group. The former forward has 51 caps and joined Clarke’s backroom staff in 2021.
Naismith believes the squad contains leaders in their prime. He added that the team has a chance to become the first Scottish men’s side to reach a World Cup knockout stage.
Full Scotland squad
- Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
- Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
- Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (Sparta Prague), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Udinese)
- Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich)
Liverpool fans will note that Andy Robertson thrives on international duty. Scotland’s World Cup qualifier journey has renewed belief across the squad.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow team news and preparation ahead of the finals. The national side head into summer fixtures with fresh momentum.
