Robbo is glad fans have a reason to cheer
Andy Robertson is absolutely delighted to be ending a World Cup qualifying campaign with a make-or-break match.
Scotland are under massive pressure to beat Slovenia tonight and clinch a play-off spot.
Robertson says that’s a million times better than finishing their bid to make Euro 2016 with a meaningless encounter against Gibraltar in Faro.
He recalled: “Gibraltar was the strangest game I think I’ve had. It felt as if we’d just qualified.
“The way the fans reacted was like we’d won the group. It was just them thanking us for our efforts, but we actually let them down. We were playing for nothing.
“It certainly doesn’t have the same feeling this time. I’m sure the whole country will be buzzing and everyone will be watching it, wherever they are.
“We are on a run and we just need to keep it going for one more game to get to the play-offs.”
The Liverpool fullback, who picked up a nasty wrist injury in Thursday night’s dramatic win against Slovakia, believes the pressure of maintaining a winning run can benefit the Scots.
He went on: “We’ve had a series of must-win games recently. I hope that helps.
“In the last couple of campaigns, we’ve gone into the last game with nothing to play for.
“I don’t think Slovenia being out already will make a difference.
“It’s similar to us in Gibraltar. We could’ve chucked it in and not put in a good performance.
“But we knew our fans were there, looking for a victory.
“I am sure their fans will be there demanding a win and a good finish to a disapointing campaign.”
Robertson is happy to be occupying the left-back role while Kieran Tierney switches to the right.
Although the Celtic youngster didn’t have his best game against Slovakia, his fellow fullback is full of admiration.
He said: “I was joking with Kieran about putting in the right-foot cross in the first half. We were all surprised.
“If it was me it would probably have gone out for a goal kick!
“Kieran has already dealt with so much and if he keeps going the way he is, he’ll be world class.”
The 23-year-old knows the fans have taken a while to warm to supersub Chris Martin, but says he’s a man the players appreciate.
He said: “I’ve played against him in the Championship and I know him well.
“He can hold up the ball and put it away, which he keeps showing time after time.
“Maybe he’s one that players appreciate more than fans. He has played a massive part in this campaign.”