Dundee United defender Andrew Robertson will relish the experience of his first Scotland call-up without concerning himself about pushing for a place in the team – but his rapid rise suggests nothing can be ruled out.
The 19-year-old joined Gordon Strachan’s squad for the first time yesterday for tomorrow’s Warsaw friendly against Poland, following an incredible progression over the past 12 months.
While Robertson played at Hampden a year ago on Sunday, it was for the amateurs of Queen’s Park in a 2-1 defeat by Montrose during his first full season in senior football.
A summer move to Jackie McNamara’s Dundee United meant he caught the eye of Strachan and the left back admitted a Scotland call-up would have been unthinkable when he was plying his trade among the lower reaches of fourth-tier of the Scottish game.
“I remember that game well, we played terribly,” he said. “Nobody could have imagined how quickly I have progressed, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“It’s been quick, but I always knew I could do it. It was just about getting a chance.
“Luckily the manager at United gave me the chance and I think I have repaid him.”
Robertson’s development is all the more remarkable given he was released by Celtic at the age of 15.
“I was devastated,” he said. “I never wanted to give up. I was trying anything to be a professional footballer.
“Some people thought it was a strange move going to Queen’s Park, but as soon as I spoke to the coaches, they sold the club to me.
“The coaches there are second to none and they are like a professional team, although they are amateur.
“I knew if I did well there I would get the chance to play first team football at an early age. Luckily I did and there was a lot of focus on the Third Division because Rangers were there.
“The whole team played well against Rangers and that helped us all in our careers.”
Robertson, who made 39 appearances for Queen’s Park, has been an ever- present for the Arabs this season.
And that brought his first international recognition with Scotland Under-21s.
“The first call for the 21s, I was delighted and the second one was my first start for them,” he said. “I was just happy to concentrate on that.”
Robertson quickly impressed Strachan when some of Billy Stark’s squad were called to make up the numbers at a training session with the full squad.
“It was brilliant, training with players who are playing in the top leagues,” he said. “That helped a lot and showed the standard we have got to be at.
“I was there to try to enjoy it. I knew there was no pressure because none of us were in the squad for the Croatia game. It was just the players who had not played.
“But Gordon takes quite a lot of interest in training and that’s probably why I’m here, because I did do well. My performances for United have been good enough.”
Robertson is not letting himself get carried away by thoughts of making the left-back position his own ahead of the Euro 2016 campaign, when Poland are one of Scotland’s opponents.
Scotland have not had a natural left back in recent seasons.
Lee Wallace has been impressive for Rangers, but League 1 football has not convinced Strachan, meaning right-footed players such as Steven Whittaker and Phil Bardsley have been employed there instead.
Robertson said: “I’m just enjoying getting called up and enjoying the experience.
“Hopefully in my older years I will be pushing for a start and trying to make it my position, but just now I am glad to be involved and learning every day.
“I watched the draw and it was a good one, and if I keep doing what I’m doing hopefully I can push to be involved.
“But Scotland have a very strong squad just now. Some have missed out and think they should be here.”