Andy Robertson revealed Scotland and Liverpool team-mate Ben Doak looked like he had never been away after the fit-again forward joined his international team-mates in training.
The forward’s club season was ended by a knee injury in December but the 18-year-old received a call-up to Steve Clarke’s 28-man provisional squad for the Euro 2024 finals.
Doak did not join the squad for the first training session on Thursday but he was back with the group on Friday and Robertson recognised all the attributes his Anfield colleague possesses.
“He’s confident,” the Scotland captain said. “Ben’s always not lacking confidence. He’s a fantastic player.
“Obviously his season was cut short with injury and he trained with the lads for the first time and looked as if he hadn’t been out for five months, which is credit to him.
“Unfortunately this season, I know what it’s like coming back after a long-term injury and it’s not easy. And he looked as if he hadn’t been away.”
Although a winger by trade, Doak impressed in a central attacking role for Scotland Under-21s in Spain earlier this season and could add a different dimension to Clarke’s attack off the bench in Germany.
Robertson said: “He brings pace, he brings excitement, he’s not scared to take anyone on and and it’s exactly what we need – young players that have got no fear and he’s certainly got that.
“He’s got a bright future ahead of him. But it’s also important that we protect him and we put our arm around him and help him along the way, because he’s just starting his journey and we know what that’s like.
“It’s important people don’t get overhyped by him and let him grow and let him improve.
“And if we do that, then I believe that he can be a big player for us in this tournament, but he’ll be a big player for us for 10-15 years to come as well."
