Scotland manager Steve Clarke has insisted he sees no "decline" in the performance level of Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson amid interest from the Reds in Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez.
And he says his captain will be more than happy to fight for his spot at Anfield, where Arne Slot will need more than one option at full-back next season, even if the Hungarian arrives. The Cherries are demanding a $60 million (£45 million) fee.
"If Andy decides to stay and fight for his place, I’m sure he’ll play enough," Clarke told BBC Scotland. "He had to fight so hard to have a career and to build on that. I don’t see a decline in him. I see him coming here and playing well, and I’ve watched him a number of times for Liverpool, and I didn’t see any drop.
"Alex McLeish made a big decision when Andy was quite young and not long in the squad to make him the captain. When I came in, I saw no reason to change that captaincy, and he’s been a fantastic captain for Scotland."
Robertson is now just 19 appearances away from catching Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool legend who currently has more caps than anyone else for Scotland. He played the full game on Friday as the Tartan Army lost 3-1 at home to Iceland.
"I think we all know that's nowhere near good enough," Robertson said at the final whistle. "I don't want to say too much — we need to digest this and speak in the changing room before we start doing interviews.
Andy Robertson looks dejected following Scotland's defeat against Iceland.
Andy Robertson looks dejected following Scotland's defeat against Iceland. (Image: Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
"But I think we were too easily played through — any chance they had, they scored. We weren't good enough on the ball. We created chances but didn't take them.
"We were just nowhere near good enough. I don't think you can put a finger on one thing, but we need to get it right pretty quickly."
Scotland will play Liechtenstein on Monday before Robertson heads on holiday. He will then return for pre-season in the second week of July, potentially with more competition for places at Liverpool.
"We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done [for Kerkez]," Robertson had said ahead of the Iceland game. "But, until that is done, I’ve not even given that a second thought.
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"I back myself. I’ve got confidence in my own ability, and that drives me forward. I’ve had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies and being a mainstay in the team, which I’m incredibly proud of.
"I’m not getting any younger. I can’t change my age, but I still believe I’ve got a lot to give, and that’s what I focus on. I focus on myself — you can’t focus on other people or who you’re competing with."
Liverpool.com says: Robertson still has loads to offer at Anfield, and no one is doubting that. He is a real leader in the dressing room and if Kerkez does come in, that will allow him to play less often, which should see him have more energy when he does come into the side.