Robbo the cult hero with heart

IN AN era when millionaire Premier League stars are increasingly isolated from their adoring fans, Andy Robertson is a breath of fresh air.

Liverpool’s sensational attacking triumvirate of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino understandably grab the bulk of the headlines, but Glaswegian Robertson (above) is fast becoming an Anfield cult hero in his own quiet way.

Way before he established himself as a first-team regular, word had already spread around Merseyside about his donations to local foodbanks. During his time at Hull, Robertson told family and friends not to buy him 21st birthday presents but instead to donate the money to a Scottish foodbank.

Robertson tries to keep his social activism and caring attitude as low profile as possible. His generosity doesn’t stem from the promptings of club public relations staff or a desire for publicity. He simply wants to help those less fortunate than himself.

An impressive role model off the pitch, Robertson has already made a strong connection with the Liverpool faithful on it. A memorable moment in Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 January win over Manchester City signalled the Anfield fans had taken the Scot to their hearts.

Relentless, lungbusting pressing from the terrier-like 23-year-old forced the City slickers back some 40 yards deep into their own half and the Kop rose as one to salute the dedication and determination of the young left-back.

Robertson admits that the raucous response from the fans was a huge boost to his confidence and he hasn’t looked back since.

He had a slow start to his career on Merseyside after his £8million move from Hull last summer, but an ankle injury to Alberto Moreno gave him his big opportunity and he shows no signs of giving it up.

Left-back has long been a problem for successive Liverpool bosses, but Robertson increasingly looks like the solution.

Outstanding displays in the wins over City and Porto are certainly enough to convince me that he will be a key player in Jurgen Klopp’s quest to bring the glory days back to Anfield.

For my money, he’s the bargain buy of the season.

He tries to keep his social activisim low profile