MX23RW : Tuesday, June 15 03:03:43| >> :120:17787:17787:

Andrew Robertson determined to keep Scotland smiling

Andrew Robertson determined to keep Scotland smiling
© Reuters
Steve Clarke's side open their Euro 2020 campaign against the Czech Republic.

Scotland skipper Andy Robertson aims to keep the country smiling as Steve Clarke's squad prepare to end a 23-year absence from the big stage of international football.

From qualifying for six out of seven World Cups from 1974 and reaching consecutive European Championships in the 1990s, Scotland suffered a painful exile from the top table.

That will end when Robertson leads his team-mates out at Hampden for Monday's clash with the Czech Republic.

And the Liverpool left-back aims to inspire a nation and new generations of Scotland supporters.

"A two o'clock kick-off, maybe the schools can give them a special pass to watch the game," the 27-year-old said.

"We want the whole country behind us and kids are a huge part of our fan base.

"Yeah, there are young kids that haven't seen us in a major tournament, but unfortunately there are also teenagers and people in their early 20s who haven't seen us.

"I'm excited for them, I'm excited for the older generation that were maybe used to us qualifying and now they get to see us back there.

"We have not long got back to Scotland and you can feel the buzz already around Glasgow and I'm sure it's like that in every city and town. We hope that continues for the duration of the tournament.

"It's up to us try and keep a smile on their faces and that's certainly one of our huge motivations for this tournament."

The Scotland fans will also be making a comeback after more than 18 months away from Hampden.

"The fact we will walk out in front of fans again will be incredible," said Robertson.

Hampden Park will welcome 12,000 fans for the match
Hampden Park will welcome 12,000 fans for the match (Jane Barlow/PA).

"I would have loved it to be a full house, but what's going on in the world now isn't allowing that. But to have 12,000 in will be great, to have some of our family in will be even better.

"But I'm sure all beer gardens, I'm sure all gardens and houses will be packed. I am sure the whole nation will be watching and we will feel that support, feel that love, and hopefully we can do them proud."

Robertson experienced a partial crowd again last month when 10,000 Liverpool fans returned to Anfield.

"All the boys at Liverpool said when we ran out there were goosebumps because, sadly, we had become used to empty stadiums," he said.

"We are getting close to normality hopefully, in life in general, but in football as well. Yeah, it's a wee bit different but having fans in stadiums makes a huge difference and I am sure Monday will be no different.

"The last time Scotland fans were in was the Kazakhstan game and a lot has changed since then. A lot has changed in the team and the squad and the belief in the squad, and hopefully they see that."

Scotland celebrate their play-off win over Serbia
Scotland celebrate their play-off win over Serbia (Novak Djurovic/PA).

That confidence received a major boost when Scotland beat Serbia in Belgrade in November to book their place at the delayed finals.

"We were well on our way then, but it gave us more belief," the former Queen's Park, Dundee United and Hull defender said.

"Since the manager came in, he always said we are a good squad, good players, but it just seems there is a bit of belief lacking.

"Being able to qualify for a tournament for the first time in 23 years, it gives you that belief that you can go and do it again, that you can perform in the big tournaments.

"I would like us to have more belief and confidence and be able to show what we can do hopefully we can do that on the biggest stage, because if we do we are a right good team on our day."

ID:451250: cacheID:451250:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8436:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Former Newcastle United coach John Carver pictured in December 2017
Read Next:
John Carver confident Scotland can progress to Euros knockout rounds
>
Read more about Andrew Robertson Football

rhs 2.0
Euro 2020 fixtures
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
 
8pm
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
 
5pm
Thursday, June 17, 2021
 
5pm
Friday, June 18, 2021
 
2pm
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38275683325186
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd382111673442974
3Liverpool38209968422669
4Chelsea381910958362267
5Leicester CityLeicester382061268501866
6West Ham UnitedWest Ham381981162471565
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs381881268452362
8Arsenal381871355391661
9Leeds UnitedLeeds38185156254859
10Everton38178134748-159
11Aston Villa38167155546955
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle38129174662-1645
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38129173652-1645
14Crystal Palace38128184166-2544
15Southampton38127194768-2143
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton38914154046-641
17Burnley38109193355-2239
RFulham38513202753-2628
RWest Bromwich AlbionWest Brom38511223576-4126
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3872292063-4323

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!