Andy Robertson is on the verge of matching Kenny Dalglish's record of 102 caps for Scotland, but the Liverpool defender insists that Dalglish will always be the greatest. In an exclusive interview, Robertson spoke of his admiration for the man he grew up idolising and whose record he is about to equal.
A Dream Realized
Robertson, who made his debut in 2014, recalls the moment he first stepped onto the pitch for Scotland. "I had pretty much every emotion that day," he said. "My mum and dad were there, my brother, my aunt and uncle. It was a dream come true."
Since then, Robertson has gone on to achieve remarkable success with Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup. But despite his achievements, he remains humble. "I've never actually been confident," he admitted. "I've always doubted myself, and that's always got the best out of me."
King Kenny
As Robertson prepares to equal Dalglish's record, he is quick to deflect praise. "Friday night's not about me," he said. "It's about the greatest player of all time in our country, and for me, that will always be Kenny."
Robertson shared a touching story about his grandfather, who was a huge fan of Dalglish. "My grandad had hearing aids and couldn't really hear much, but he heard everything Kenny said," Robertson recalled. "Kenny was his hero."
Dalglish, who played for Scotland between 1971 and 1986, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He won 102 caps for his country and scored 30 goals. Robertson will equal that record when Scotland face North Macedonia on Friday, and he will break it on Monday against Switzerland, all being well.
A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Robertson's journey from Dundee United to Liverpool is a testament to his hard work and determination. He credits his family for keeping him grounded. "They're as proud of my brother as they are of me," he said. "But I think they're more proud of the men we've become."
As captain of Scotland, Robertson is a role model for young players. He often thinks about the opportunities he had and wants to ensure that future generations get the same chances. "We have a duty to help the young players coming through," he said. "They're the ones who will bring the country forward."
Looking Ahead
Scotland face North Macedonia on Friday in a crucial Nations League match. Robertson is focused on the game and wants to make amends for the team's recent poor performance against Slovenia. "We were a yard off it in all areas," he said. "It was unacceptable. We didn't give our fans anything to shout about."
As he leaves the room, Robertson jokes about forgetting his washbag. "Bet Kenny didn't have one of these!" he laughs. It's a light-hearted moment from a player who is about to make history, but who remains grounded and grateful for the journey.
