The national team are preparing for their upcoming double-header against Iceland and Liechtenstein
15:34, 05 Jun 2025
Scotland captain Andy Robertson
Scotland captain Andy Robertson(Image: SNS Group)
Captain Andy Robertson has admitted the Scotland squad has come under friendly fire from their own manager.
The Scots have two upcoming friendlies against Iceland at home tomorrow and then away to Liechtenstein.
Scotland have won just one of their last nine friendlies and that is something that boss Steve Clarke has stressed that he wants his squad to rectify, to build some pre-World Cup qualifying momentum.
Robertson confirmed: “I think the manager's made it quite clear this week with our record in the friendlies that we have had. It hasn't been very good, so we obviously want to try and change that.
“There's nothing that can replace competitive games. We love playing competitive games, that's what we're all about. We try and use the friendlies. We try and get as much out of them as possible.”
The Liverpool star also expects a reaction from the Scotland camp after they lost their Nations League clash at home to Greece and were relegated from the top tier.
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He claimed: “I think there's an edge anyway, because I think we want to get back to winning games. We want to get back to feeling good, obviously.
“With what happened in March, it kind of gets forgotten that we actually won away from home and we put in a really good performance against Greece, especially the first half.
“Obviously you then, in a two-legged tie, you have to go out and see it out and that's the way football works. All the hard work that we put in over there gets forgotten because of how disappointing the result was back here.”
Robertson believes these games will be vital to build on ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts away to Denmark in September. They also face Belarus and Greece again.
Robertson with boss Steve Clarke
Robertson with boss Steve Clarke(Image: SNS Group)
He stated: “Obviously, we've got a big year coming up in terms of the World Cup qualifiers and hopefully these two games can stand us in good stead for the six games coming up.
“I think we can start with these first two, and then it's about building a squad and seeing what we've got as a full package going into the World Cup qualifying.
“I think the last time we showed there wasn't much room for error. We had a pretty perfect campaign, and we still missed out. We need to try and go one better this time.”
Clarke has introduced a number of new caps to his squad in recent camps and the likes of Max Johnston, James Wilson, Lennon Miller and Kieron Bowie are all making their mark. He thinks Scotland’s long-term future looks to be in safe hands.
The skipper claimed: “I think them understanding the standards in training and how difficult international football is crucial. I know from my experience, the younger that I experienced that, the better it was.
“Then I just kind of grew into it, and so did John (McGinn) and we kind of did it together. Hopefully, these lads can do it together.
“Maybe in 10 years' time, I can be watching them at the World Cup. I think these lads are showing a different level. Their mentality is good, from what we can see.
“Obviously, they don't work to be at club level and things like that, but you still do your background checks and you know how good they are.”
Roberson knows the key is giving them the space to grow.
He added: “It's just up to them to go and fulfil their potential. You don't want to put too much pressure on them.
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"You don't want to overhype them or anything like that, but you also have to try and guide them on the way.
"I think that's now our role, to try and help them. If one of them puts in a good performance tomorrow for you guys, maybe not to get carried away and let them grow.”
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