BACKBONE TO BASICS
Robbo tips Queen’s pal Shanks to be a Scots star
and the European champions, the Reds are flying.
Robertson’s attacking style is crucial to Jurgen Klopp’s machine but it may need another approach with his country.
The skipper is ready to do what it takes to help Scotland and said: “There are a lot of lads used to winning stuff at club level.
“I’m at the top but know what I’m getting into here.
“I know it’s a different style of play and in Russia I didn’t go forward as much.
“I tried to be defensively sound and tried to help my centre backs out and I think I did that. I’m learning that.
“Against Russia at home, I maybe went forward too much and that doesn’t need to happen. We’re not as expansive with Scotland as Liverpool are. “In Moscow we were all defensively good for nearly 60 minutes. The problem is when we concede a goal. “Had we defended set plays in the second half as we did in the first, we might have had a better chance of a result. “Unfortunately we are sitting on another heavy defeat. “Look, I enjoy playing for Scotland. I enjoy playing for Liverpool. It’s two different styles but you are a footballer and have to adapt to these different styles. “In Russia I think I maybe adapted more than I have done. “I’m used to Liverpool’s style of play but I adapt to any style.” LAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON BY CRAIG SWAN ANDY ROBERTSON is sure old Queen’s Park pal Lawrence Shankland can have a bright future for Scotland.
The Dundee United striker made his debut as a second-half sub in the 4-0 rout in Russia.
Shankland and Robertson were colleagues during their younger years at the Spiders – and the international skipper is backing his former teammate to make an impact on the squad.
The Tannadice ace has a chance of starting against San Marino tomorrow and the Scotland captain said: “I’m proud of Lawrence. He’s another one like me who had big setbacks.
“He moved to Queen’s Park at the same time as me. He moved to Aberdeen and it didn’t quite work out
Shankland in Moscow for him. He went to Ayr to find his form and now he’s hitting the heights at Dundee United.
“I thought it was hard for him when he came on.
“For 15 minutes he was excellent, holding the ball up and linking Ryan Fraser and John McGinn into the game.
“He looked very good, so I am proud of him and delighted for Lawrence.
“I’m sure he won’t be thinking so much about this after a 4-0 defeat but he has earned his first cap for his country.
“Maybe a couple of years ago he would have felt that was a long shot.
“Hopefully he gets a lot more and hopefully he gets goals for us because he is a goalscorer.
“I hope Russia is the first of many caps for him.”
Rowena Brand emailed: “It’s a pity the Scottish footballers didn’t show the same guts as our rugby players. The footballers are not good enough.”
emailed: “I understand Clarke playing players who are young and nobody has really heard off but it’s time he starts playing guys who know what they are doing on the pitch.”
said: “The irony is that our only hope of qualifying lies with the results Alex McLeish gained in the Nations League. McLeish was swiftly removed... let’s hope Clarke follows in similar fashion.”
Elsewhere, caller Jimmy Murray stirred up a hornets’ nest by claiming Brendan Rodgers led Celtic to nine straight trophies.
Hugh McInulty, Glasgow, emailed: “Did Rodgers sneak back into Celtic to win the Cup and seal the league? And those legendary man-management skills led us to our worst results in Europe. He’s a one-trick pony who will be found out at Leicester.”
said: “Rodgers only won seven trophies out of nine. As for his tactics, he was utterly useless in Europe compared to Neil Lennon who beat Barcelona, the best team in the world at that point.”
And finally, Brian Reardon’s call, stating that Rangers would win the Treble, drew this response from who emailed: “So Rangers going to win the Treble? Exactly what does he base this on as they haven’t won anything for nine years? The mind boggles. Two points in front and they are Barcelona reincarnated.” CALL US TOMORROW FROM 11 TILL 12 NOON on: 0141 309 3306 or email us: hotline@dailyrecord.co.uk SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME