Skipper Andy was mistaken for a student at Hull
First impressions were deceiving for the Hull City squad when they welcomed Andy Robertson to the club.
Former team-mate, Liam Rosenior – currently in caretaker charge of Derby County alongside Wayne Rooney – has revealed how the future Champions Leaguewinner and Scotland captain was mistaken for a student when becoming a Premier League signing.
Robertson was only 20, with just one year of professional experience at Dundee United when Steve Bruce paraded him at Hull on the same day as Harry Maguire in July, 2014.
Hiding behind that modest image was a fiercely-determined and hugely-talented young Scot.
Robertson has since graduated with major honours for Liverpool, and will skipper Scotland in the Euro Finals next summer.
Rosenior grinned: “The first thing I thought about Robbo when he walked through the door was: ‘He’s not a professional footballer, surely?’.
“He’s everything you wouldn’t expect a professional footballer to be.
“He just looked like a student coming in.
“The way he carried himself, he’s just a normal, fun guy to be around with no airs or graces at all.
“He was very young, just wanted to play the game the right way.
“But there was an air of confidence about him. It didn’t matter if he was playing football in the park or in the Premier League, he’d play exactly the same way.
“To see him captaining his country and reaching Euro 2020 just makes me really proud of him.
“He cares about his country, and cares about doing as well as he can. I’m sure he’ll be captain for the next decade – that’s how good he is.”
Robertson was certainly keen on education.
He soaked up knowledge from experienced defenders like Curtis Davies, Michael Dawson and keeper Allan Mcgregor.
“Before you speak about football, with Robbo we’re talking an absolutely outstanding character,” said Rosenior.
“Down-to-earth, always wanting to improve, asking questions about the defensive aspects of playing full-back.
“I’m not saying I had a huge part to play, because I really didn’t. But I remember going out with him after training to practise heading on the back post, and other specific aspects of our roles.
“He’s got to where he is from talent, of course. But more so hard work and humility.”