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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Andy Robertson will rekindle Scotland form as Liverpool defender is 'blessed', says Simon Donnelly

Andy Robertson

Former Celtic midfielder Simon Donnelly has backed Scotland captain Andy Robertson to 'bounce back'.

The Liverpool man was not called up for Steve Clarke's side after picking up an injury.

It has been a tough start to the season for the ex-Hull City player and now that he has a knock, it may be difficult for him to get back in the Anfield side's starting XI, according to the 47-year-old.

He said: "I hope not from a Scottish point of view. I know Andy very well when I coached him at Dundee United, I've followed his career since.

"He's had an amazing career, captain of his country, winning Premier League and Champions League trophies. 

"But he probably does find he's in a position at Liverpool where he does have a challenge on his hands.

"I've watched players like this comeback from their challenges. But this is Robertson's first time since Klopp has bought him where he's not guaranteed to be the first name on the team sheet on that left side.

 "I would not be surprised if he brings back his form because that's why Andy is where he is, I look forward to him coming back in the Scotland team too."

Donnelly was also keen to stress just how much quality the national team has at its disposal in terms of either fullback position.

He singled out Brentford defender Aaron Hickey, in particular, for praise after his performance against Ukraine.

"For Scotland, he was excellent. When he played on the left side of defence against Ukraine, he did not have the best of games but the other night he was brilliant," he continued.

"For another Scottish lad to go abroad at a young age is something I really do admire, settling into a new culture.

"There's a real maturity in his game. He was playing against Mudryk, who scored against Celtic for Shakthar and is supposed to be the next big thing, but Hickey kept him very quiet.

"Scotland are blessed in the fullback area on both sides, I would like to see a young striker come through now."

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