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– Andy Robertson feels he has honed the role of leading Scotland after taking “a lot on” early in his captaincy.
– The Liverpool left-back was given the armband during Alex McLeish’s second spell as manager and has carried on under Steve Clarke.
– Robertson scored the first goal of Clarke’s reign and led his country at Euro 2020.
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– “It took me a bit of time to get used to being able to put that armband on,” the 29-year-old told the BBC.
– Robertson, who was speaking to Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast, has been Scotland captain for five years.
– “I was quite young when I got it and I felt as if I could solve everything,” he recalled. “I took a lot on. The older you get, the more you realise you just have to control the things you can control.
– “I feel as if I’ve settled into the role. I feel comfortable. I love being captain. I know when to speak to the players and when they need an arm round their shoulder, when staff need an arm round them. I will always be there for people.”
– Robertson’s next assignment as captain is Scotland’s opening Euro 2024 qualifying double header against Cyprus and Spain. Both sides visit Hampden, with the Cypriots first up on Saturday (14:00 GMT).
– Norway and Georgia complete a testing section in which the top two qualify, albeit Scotland are already guaranteed at least a play-off place for the finals in Germany after topping their Nations League group.
– “I’ve still got a few years left in me and hopefully a couple more major tournaments as well,” added Champions League and Premier League winner Robertson.
– “The trophies I’ve won, I’ve been very blessed to win them, but being captain of my country is up there with them.
– “Pulling on the Scotland jersey is enough for me. The feeling I get of pulling that jersey on and representing my country is enough, but standing in front of the lads and leading them out is a different feeling.
– “We managed to get to the Euros, which was incredible. Working under Steve Clarke has been incredible. We’re going in the right direction.”
