Scotland captain Andy Robertson has revealed that international duty provided a crucial lifeline during a challenging season at club level, as he gears up for this summer’s World Cup.
The 32-year-old left-back has seen his starting opportunities at Liverpool diminish this campaign, fuelling ongoing speculation regarding his future.
Speaking to the media ahead of Scotland’s friendly against Japan at Barclays Hampden Park on Saturday, and their game with Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson stadium on Tuesday, Robertson emphasised the profound importance of representing his country.
He said: “It has kept me going at times this season, Scotland duty and you know I can safely say that, especially the start to the season when you’ve got games every three/four weeks, September, October, November, it was important for me.
“Obviously playing in such big games and we touched on the age me and John McGinn are, realistically, it could have been our last chance to qualify for the World Cup.
“It gave you something to focus on and give you something to be a part of and obviously the qualifying campaign went the way it went and everything in our favour.
“Yeah, it’s been super important, certainly it’s been a big focus of mine this season and I’ve enjoyed every game.”
Robertson admitted he had the record appearance tally of Scotland great Kenny Dalglish in his sights as he got set to equal Jim Leighton’s 91 caps against Japan.
Former Celtic and Liverpool forward Dalglish won 102 caps between 1971 and 1986.
Former Queen’s Park, Dundee United and Hull defender Robertson said: “I only really think about it when you go and match somebody and obviously tomorrow I know there’s a chance to go and match Jim Leighton and then you’re joint-second which is something I could only have ever dreamed of.
“I don’t give it too much thought, but when you do have these landmarks, it’s always nice to remind yourself.
“There was a period also when I equalled Darren Fletcher and then there’s been a bit of a long slog to try and catch Jim so hopefully tomorrow I can do that and then there’s only one more to catch.
“Obviously being close enough to Kenny, we do have laughs and jokes about it every time I see him at games.
“He always says there’s more international games now than there was back then, which is fair enough but it’s an incentive, of course it is.
“For me to get one cap for Scotland was always the dream as a kid but to be sitting here on 90 and potentially getting 91 tomorrow – and obviously equalling a legend that is Jim Leighton – then it’s a huge honour and I still hope I’ve got many more to come.”
