Andy Robertson insists Scotland must use their Ukraine pain to fuel the bid for Nations League success.
The Scotland skipper admitted morale is low after Ukraine crushed our World Cup dream at Hampden last Wednesday.
But he warned that Steve Clarke ’s side can’t afford to allow the crushing disappointment of the Ukraine play-off defeat to linger.
Clashes with Armenia either side of a trip to face the Republic of Ireland loom as they look to set up a back-door pass to Euro 2024 – just like they did for the last tournament.
Liverpool star Robertson insists there is no room for a Qatar hangover on Wednesday might.
He said: “We’ve had long enough to get over the disappointment and move on from it.
“We know just how important the Nations League can be.
“We proved that when we managed to be successful in it for the last Euros, get the play-off and qualify through it.
“This camp will always be disappointing for us, regardless of what happens now, because of the other night.
“But we can try to end it on a small high by trying to get positive results in the next three games.”
Clarke insisted after last week’s semi-final KO that it was not the end of the road for the squad as the majority have time on their side for cracks at the next two major finals.
Robertson agrees with his gaffer and wants the brutal disappointment of the failed Qatar bid to be used to drive the country back to the big time.
The 28-year-old said: “I believe what the manager is saying.
“There are people a lot younger than some of us. We are trying to build something and you need to take bumps in the road – and this was a big one.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be on Wednesday but in time, when it comes to campaigns, we need to use this as motivation to drive us forward.
“We know how we felt in Serbia after the play-off win, we know how we feel right now – and there is a huge difference. We certainly want that Serbia feeling again instead of what we feel just now.”
Clarke will make some changes to his side for Armenia with Lyndon Dykes ruled out by injury.
Stoke striker Jacob Brown is pushing for his first start after coming off the bench against Moldova last November.
Fellow forward Ross Stewart is also eyeing a first cap after helping Sunderland go up to the Championship.
The Scotland boss could also tinker with his backline as Kieran Tierney is still out and Nathan Patterson remains a doubt.
Robertson admits the loss of Tierney was a blow for the Ukraine clash – especially as the entire Scotland system was set up to accommodate the Arsenal star and himself.
But the skipper is convinced the side has quality to cope with big name absentees.
Robertson said: “KT is one of a kind in that position but Liam Cooper was excellent on the left-hand side. He was always trying to press and be composed on the ball.
“You can go through that all you want but that’s not really for us.
“KT was out injured. We knew from very early doors that he wasn’t available, so that’s part and parcel of it.
“For Patto, it came too soon for him as well. You can dwell over what all you want but you have to focus on the squad you’ve got.
“You can’t focus on people who are absent. That’s not for us to do.”
