Committed Robertson is leading by example
EVERYBODY’S got a friend who just won’t let it lie. Someone who refuses to accept reality, arguing — not without merit — that the universe is shaped by people who ignore the laws of physics. A fever of a hundred and three? No reason to miss the regular Sunday morning hack around the local nine-holer. Bouncer won’t let your party of 11, none of whom are entirely sober, into a members-only nightclub frequented by the rich and famous? Consider it just an opening position in a polite negotiation. Yes, we’ve all got a pal like Andrew Robertson. God bless him. The Scotland captain’s eventual surrender to common sense, accepting that he cannot travel to Kazakhstan for Euro 2020 duty while still recovering from painful dental surgery, shouldn’t detract from the efforts he put in trying to do the impossible. As for his determination to play against San Marino on Sunday, well, it’s what we’ve come to expect from the Liverpool full-back. And it reflects well not only on the player himself, but on the
esprit de corps being created by Scotland boss Alex McLeish. Yes, the head coach has been the victim of some dubious call-offs by key players during his brief second spell in charge of the national team. But Robertson making this effort, taking this stand, has the potential to set a new tone throughout the group. Consider it a captain leading by example. Laying out exactly the kind of commitment he will expect of every single squad member. However this Euro 2020 qualifying campaign pans out, Robertson’s attitude should stand Scotland in good stead.