Robertson praises debutants Mcgeouch and Stevenson

Former Dundee and Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson reckons you will struggle to find two more deserving debutants than Dylan Mcgeouch and Lewis Stevenson after his old Easter Road team-mates made their international bows in Peru.

Mcgeouch was one of the bright sparks in dark blue, turning in a composed display in the heart of midfield.

That comes as no surprise to Robertson, who ranks Mcgeouch as arguably the finest player he has ever shared a dressing room with and, having cast aside his injury woes, he firmly believes that maiden cap will prove to be the first of many for the in-demand playmaker.

“In terms of his calibre and quality, Dylan (Mcgeouch) is one of the best I’ve ever played alongside,” said Robertson, who has spent the last three seasons with Raith Rovers. “I genuinely believe he can make the Scotland shirt his own. He can adapt to whatever is around him, and whoever he is playing against.

“You just want to give him the ball because you know he won’t lose it, and that he’ll cause problems for the opposition.

“I think the higher the level, the better Dylan will be, because Scottish football can be a little hectic and not always conducive to good football. International football is the sort of stage he could really flourish in.

“It was just brilliant to watch him go through last season fully fit and show everyone just how good he was. He’s earned this the hard way with everything he’s gone through with his fitness.”

While Robertson has backed Mcgeouch to cement a midfield berth, Stevenson faces a tougher task to earn a spot at left-back, given he counts andrew robertson, Kieran Tierney and Barry Douglas among his competitors.

“I could not be more chuffed for Lewis,” said Robertson.

“I can’t remember him ever being injured, no one works harder in training and he has seen off every competitor for his jersey that has come through the doors in the last 10 years.

“He has gone through some tough times like relegation and wage cuts but he has never contemplated leaving Hibs when he could have and I’m delighted he has finally got the recognition for the consistency and longevity he has shown.”

Robertson knows the swelling pride the Hibs duo – and fellow debutants Jordan Archer, Stephen O’donnell, Chris Cadden, Graeme Shinnie and Lewis Morgan – will be feeling, having won two caps of his own, the first coming against Argentina at Hampden in 2008.

“It’s something I will never forget and I’m sure those lads will be the same,” added Robertson.

“It’s a huge high point in my career, stepping on to the pitch with guys likejavierza net ti ,( carlos) Tevez and Gabriel Heinze.

“Those experiences of international football are something to cherish forever.”

SNS Dylan Mcgeouch made his debut for Scotland in Lima.