Scotland captain remains an inspiration for Connolly

While Robertson was on international duty, Pars man headed for Boreham Wood

Their career paths may have gone in distinctly different directions but Aidan Connolly insists Andrew Robertson continues to be an inspiration for him as he bids to kickstart his career at Dunfermline.

While Robertson was preparing to lead Scotland out as skipper against Belgium last night, Connolly was with his Pars team-mates travelling south for their low-key Irn-Bru Cup clash with Boreham Wood.

Robertson may have soaked up the “Hampden roar” but it will be the slightly less glamorous 4,500-capacity Meadow Park in Hertfordshire that will provide the backdrop for Connolly.

It is changed days for the pair since they came through the ranks at Queen’s Park before joining Dundee United together in 2013.

In the intervening five years their paths have diverged. Connolly did follow Robertson south of the border, but to join York City in the National League as his ex-team-mate was using Hull City to earn his glamour switch to Liverpool.

But, in the week that his pal was handed the honour of captaining his country, Connolly is adamant Robbo remains living proof for him and anyone else of just what can be achieved from humble beginnings in the game.

He said: “I’m not surprised Andy has been made Scotland captain. He’s done really well and he deserves it.

“He’s playing week-in, week-out now for Liverpool and, for Scotland, he’s one of the few that will be in every squad.

“You’ve got to pick a captain who is going to be consistently in there, rather than be in and out. He never, ever seems to get injured, which is important as well.

“I’ve seen him from a young age and seen how he has progressed. I’ve been at two clubs with him and it just shows you what’s possible. You need a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, but it is possible. He is an inspiration.”

Connolly left York at the end of last season and returned north to join Dunfermline on a one-year deal.

He has made nine appearances for the Pars, but only one start, and is hopeful some inside knowledge of what the Fifers can expect this afternoon could get him the game-time he craves.

The 23-year-old faced Boreham Wood during his time with York and is in no doubt the National League hopefuls will be anything but pushovers in this afternoon’s historic Auld Enemy cup encounter.

He added: “They’ll be a good team. I played against them at the very start when we were in the National League and they’re a good side. They’ll be strong and quick, and we can’t take them lightly.

“They got to the play-off final last season to get up to League Two, so they’re one of the better teams in that league.

“A lot of the players from League Two go down to the National League because they pay so much money.

“So, the quality is just as good there as in League Two, which is why it will be difficult.”

Aidan Connolly has not been surprised by the progress Andy Robertson has made.