Spy found Robbo by accident
Superspy Stan Ternent admits superstar Andy Robertson got his big break in England after he’d gone to a Dundee United match to watch a different player.
Hull City’s head of recruitment had travelled north to take in a Kilmarnock v United clash and run the rule over Johnny Russell.
But Robbo’s powerful display made him return five days later to see him in action for a second time against Hibs.
After watching him against the Hibees, Ternent was straight on the phone to then Hull boss Steve Bruce urging him to buy him.
The United star moved south for a £2.85million fee – and the rest is history, after joining Liverpool and winning the Champions League and Premier title.
Ternent said: “Really I had gone up to watch Russell but one United player in particular caught my eye – that was Robbo.
“He was non-stop, up and down the left side, and I thought to myself: ‘ Who the hell is that?’
“I rang Brucie and I told him I thought I’d seen a good one but the game had been played on a synthetic surface.
“United were at Hibs on the Tuesday night on grass, so I told Steve I’d take another look. I rang him at half-time and said: ‘ You’ve got to take him’.
“He was a fantastic athlete, a strong runner. He was up and down the pitch so much anyone would have thought he had three lungs.
“Amazingly, I don’t think there was other interest in him. It was just by chance, that I spotted him.
“No one could have envisaged the amazing progress he has made. I’m just glad I stuck to my guns and persuaded Steve.
“I’ve watched him at Liverpool with pride. Goodness knows what he’s worth now – not that Liverpool would contemplate selling him.
“Some people have already labelled him the best left-back in the world, which is staggering when you think that just a few years ago he was playing for Queen’s Park.
“It doesn’t bother him – whether it’s the Champions League final or the World Club championship – he takes it all in his stride. He has been incredible.
“Any top club in Europe would love him in his side. He’s got a great temperament and plays with huge confidence. It’s no surprise he is now Scotland captain.
“He’s certainly come a long way since that night when I first saw him at Kilmarnock.”