Merseyside defender Andy Robertson has been appointed as the new captain of the Scotland National Football Team, following in the footsteps of former Scottish greats Graeme Souness, Billy Bremner, and Danny McGrain.
The 24-year-old left-back succeeds Scott Brown as the captain of the Saints following Celtic star’s retirement from international football earlier this year in February. Robertson who has bagged 22 caps for his country, will lead Scotland for the first time on Friday when they take on the Red Devils aka Belgium before kicking their UEFA Nation League campaign against Albania on Monday.
Robertson, who made his International debut in 2014 while still with Dundee United has experienced nothing less or more than a drastic rise since emerging as a promising young talent in the Scottish Third Division. The left-back who started out in England with Hull City has now seen himself being rated very highly when it comes to the list of most highly-rated left-backs in world football. Andy has enjoyed a wonderful start to his Premier League campaign this season, providing two assists so far as Liverpool tops the table after Game-week 4.
The left-back missed out on his country’s last two games against Peru and Mexico due to featuring for his club in the Champions League final against Los Blancos. However, the Anfield star would be looking forward to compensating for it by taking Scotland to their first major international tournament since 1998 when qualifiers for the Euro 2020 kicks off next year. However, until then Albania and Israel stand in way of Scotland’s promotion to a higher level in the UEFA Nation League.
Robertson On Sky Nine:
After being elected as the captain of Scotland’s National Football Team, Robertson found himself struggling for words as he gave an interview to the Scottish FA citing that it’s a massive honor to lead his country and he is looking forward to leading the team out when they take on Red Devils aka Belgium on Friday in a friendly game.
https://twitter.com/TeamFA/status/1036582434106683394?s=19
Speaking to Scottish FA’s official website, Roberson said: “It’s probably the pinnacle of my career. It’s a massive honor for me and my family – it’s a great day for us. I’m looking for to leading the team out on Friday, leading them out in the future and trying to lead this country back to major tournaments.”
Andy Robertson or Andy ‘Pro’ Robertson?
Now as Andy Robertson has been the chosen as the man to lead the Tartan Army out on the pitch, Scotland boss McLeish can think of no other player who could’ve been better suited for this role.
Speaking to former Scottish stars Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist on Wednesday, McLeish said: “Andy is the epitome of a true pro and he sets an amazing example. He’s had rejection before and he’s shown that spirit of never giving up. He chose to be a professional footballer and he’s living that dream. Now he’s playing at such a high level at Liverpool, he carries himself extremely well in the dressing room and in training with the guys, the boys really like him.”
Andy Robertson has been confirmed as Scotland's new captain.
He was the "outstanding candidate" for the role according to Scotland coach James McFadden.https://t.co/cIeIyuFxlo pic.twitter.com/lE2WSj9I1t
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) September 3, 2018
“I don’t want to say he was the obvious choice, but he was the correct choice. There are other leaders in the dressing room but Andy stood out with just his fantastic demeanor.”
Time For Andy To Hit Gym?
Soon after Andy Robertson was chosen as the captain of the Tartan Army, Merseyside colleague James Milner congratulated the left-back in a mocking tone saying that he will have to hit the gym to fill that captain armband.
Congratulations Robbo… better get in the gym to make sure that arm band doesn’t fall off! 🏋🏻♀️😜 https://t.co/3pUdmprSeU
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) September 3, 2018
However, keeping jokes aside Andy Robertson has enjoyed a meteoric rise since signing for Liverpool from Hull 18 months ago. The Scottish captain has cemented his place in Jurgen Klopp’s defense and was also part of the lineup which featured in the Champions League final last season. Robertson, who is currently on an international duty would be back in action for Liverpool on 15th of September when they take on Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs in a bid to grab all three points.
