Robertson sees opportunity for Scotland youngsters

Andy Robertson is sure some of his Scotland Under-21 team-mates can follow his lead and impress watching boss Gordon Strachan.

Strachan and Robertson are both involved in the Under-21s this week ahead of their European qualifier against Ukraine at St Mirren Park on Friday night, with Ricky Sbragia taking advantage of a free week for the national team to call up the Hull left-back.

The former Queen's Park and Dundee United player made his full international debut in March 2014 just five months after his first under-21 call-up, after impressing Strachan during a combined training game.

The 21-year-old said: "The gaffer has been at training and keeping a watchful eye. He sat down with a few of us last night and had a coffee just getting to know a few of the boys.

"That's all part and parcel of it. If he likes what he sees off the pitch he will look more on the pitch, because he is all about knowing the person and knowing their life in and out.

"You never know, the gaffer could call them up. It was a wee bit of a surprise the first time I got called up.''

Robertson, who was back at Lesser Hampden watching Queen's Park Under-17s train, said: "He is taking a bit of a back seat and letting Ricky do what he normally does.

"He has been standing at the side and taking notes, but I think a few people have been putting in a few meaty challenges that they might not do. I had a wee laugh with one or two of them doing that but I can understand it because this is their chance to impress and probably Friday is the biggest chance.

"Hopefully they can take it. There are a couple of really good players there and if they can continue to do what they are doing, I have no doubt they will be in the first team.''

Robertson did not think for a minute his chance to train with the Scotland squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Croatia in October 2013 would have had such profound consequences.

"I remember it like it was yesterday,'' he said.

"There were five or six of us and we were all a wee bit nervous. That's just normal.

"It happened before the Gibraltar game, a few of the young boys came up and I was speaking to them and they were feeling the exact same as we did two years ago.

"You just try your best, as we always do in training. I was lucky enough that the game suited the way I want to play, and do overlaps and cross the ball. I managed to stand out and luckily the manager has picked me ever since.

"I had just moved to Dundee United at the time so I was happy just playing with Premier League footballers and playing with the people I have sat and watched.

"If you over-think it you can maybe get a bit uptight and not play the way you can. I was just hoping to play with top players and not look out of place.''