Andy Robertson receives frank verdict from Scottish media - 'Pummelled'

Andy Robertson doesn't get to start games too often these days — he has lined up just twice for the Reds this season — but he remains a shoo-in for Scotland.

The left-back has been Scotland's captain for seven years, and he lined up for Steve Clarke's side as it came from behind to beat Greece at Hampden Park on Thursday.

Scotland fell behind when Robertson's old challenger, Kostas Tsimikas, who is spending the season on loan at Roma from Liverpool, put the visiting side ahead just after the hour mark.

Greece's lead was short-lived, though, as Ryan Christie equalized in the 64th minute, before Lewis Ferguson scored in the 80th minute to give Scotland the lead. Lyndon Dykes then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time.

Robertson had his work cut out on the night but still earned a 7/10 rating from The Scotsman's Mark Atkinson, who wrote: "The captain had his hands full all evening as Greece pummelled both his left flank and the other side looking for joy down the wings.

"Had a couple of desperate defensive moments and the Greek opener emanated from his area of the pitch. Managed to nullify the precocious talent that is Karetsas when the teenager came on and floated in the cross that led to Ferguson's goal."

Robertson was given a slightly harsher 6/10 by Blair Meikle of The Herald, who wrote: "Unable to bomb forward with his usual regularity, the captain wasn’t seen much as the attacking threat we know he can be.

"Many of Greece’s attacks, including for the opening goal, came down the right-hand side, too. Hadn’t been one of the Liverpool star’s better nights until sending in the free-kick from which Lewis Ferguson scored."

Exciting young winger Ben Gannon Doak may no longer be a Liverpool player, but the buy-back clause that was inserted into the deal that took him to Bournemouth during the summer transfer window means he is still a player of interest to Reds fans.

He was taken off just before the hour mark, when the game was still goalless, with The Scotsman's Atkinson handing him a 5/10 rating and describing it as a "disappointing night for the winger."

The Herald's Meikle also gave him a 5/10 rating, but noted how Steve Clarke's decision to withdraw the youngster still drew boos from the Scotland fans in attendance.

Clarke's decision ultimately proved to be the right one, as Scotland rallied to secure a crucial win in its quest for World Cup qualification.

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