Allan took two buses to training and could now end up playing for Scotland
SAYS STEPHEN ROBINSON
AJOURNEY that started with Allan Campbell taking two buses to reach Motherwell training could soon lead him into the Scotland squad.
Fir Park manager Stephen Robinson believes that is a realistic destination for his 19-year-old midfield prodigy.
Having watched him thrive against some of the best in the Premiership, Robinson would not be surprised to see Campbell included among the rising talents given a chance to shine in the much-debated summer friendlies against Peru and Mexico.
Already capped at Under-21 level, Campbell was recently tipped for future success by Motherwell icon James McFadden.
Given that McFadden is now poised to join Alex McLeish’s backroom staff, it seems safe to assume the teenager will have someone promoting his claim from within the Scotland camp.
For his part, Robinson feels no need to douse the idea. He views Campbell as having more than enough potential to crown a breakthrough season by making the trip to South America.
‘If Allan keeps playing the way he has been, there is no reason why he can’t,’ insisted Robinson. ‘He’s been an inspiration for me.
‘Allan has played against the likes of John McGinn, Scott Brown and Graham Dorrans — the better players in the league. He’s done well in every game and, when he doesn’t play, we miss him.
‘He brings a desire, a drive and a never-say-die attitude that is endearing for a manager. I love that.
‘Previously, I also said that Allan maybe didn’t have the quality of some other players on the ball. But that’s changed. He’s improved in that sense. His ball retention is the best of our midfield at times.
‘Allan isn’t the finished article but he will do everything in his power to stay at a high level in the game.’
There seems little chance of Campbell’s head being turned by the praise and predictions. In an era when the application of young players can be subjected to harsh scrutiny, the Motherwell prospect remains firmly grounded.
‘When you see young boys being as dedicated as him and making the most out of their talent, it’s great,’ added Robinson (above).
‘That’s what Allan does and I even use him as an example when I am talking to some of the older players. ‘He’s the first one in the gym and he doesn’t say much. He just grunts and growls at you now and again. But he’s a boy who pushes himself to the limit. ‘When I first came in as manager, he was taking two buses just to get to training. He might have a car now but nothing has changed in terms of his enthusiasm and drive. Getting the two buses just sums him up as a boy.
‘But then he still cleans his own boots. In fact, he still cleans (assistant manager) Keith Lasley’s boots. We try to say to him: “You are a first-team player now, son” but he’s only just moved into their dressing room.
‘Sometimes players change when they get to the first team. What got them there disappears. But Allan isn’t like that. He’s just got a determination to be the best he can be and that’s inspirational.
‘Players can earn so much money in the modern game that they don’t relate to the fans, but people look at Allan and see that he is one of them. That’s why they love him.’
Campbell seems destined to join the likes of McFadden on the long list of players schooled by Motherwell before eventually being sold for profit.
His promise has already been noted by a number of English sides, but Robinson hopes he will rack up a fair chunk of Premiership experience before moving away.
‘It wouldn’t surprise me if I got calls about Allan because, if I was at another club, I’d be looking at him,’ said the Northern Irishman.
‘But it’s maybe a bit early for that kind of interest. We have put him on a high pedestal but he still has a lot to work on and he knows that.’
Campbell’s tenacity will be needed against Dundee at Dens Park tomorrow. Last weekend’s defeat to Kilmarnock placed a serious dent in Motherwell’s top-six hopes, but Robinson’s remit was always about steering clear of any relegation anxiety.
‘Everyone keeps talking about the top six but I see the priority as making sure we stay in this division,’ said the manager.
‘Our budget dictates that I will be judged on staying in this division. Anything else is a bonus. Once we do that, we will focus on looking up.’