'I brought Andy Robertson to the Premier League but could never have have predicted his success'

Speaking exclusively to Liverpool.com, Steve Bruce reflects on Andy Robertson's Premier League career and signing the left-back for Hull City nearly 12 years ago

Steve Bruce has spoken to Liverpool.com about his experience of managing Andy Robertson at Hull City

Steve Bruce has revealed he did not realize Andy Robertson’s potential when he first signed the left-back for Hull City nearly 12 years ago.

The former Manchester United defender brought Robertson to the Premier League from Dundee United in 2014, a little over a year after he had been playing amateur soccer in Scotland. Perhaps, surprisingly, Bruce thought the left-back would need time to adapt, but he was blown away by Robertson’s immediate impact in the English top flight.

He made a goal-saving clearance on his Premier League debut against Queens Park Rangers and was voted the club’s player of the month in August 2014. Speaking exclusively to Liverpool.com, Bruce said Robertson’s progress speaks to his remarkable character and drive.

“Very quickly, he became a very good player,” Bruce said, via OLBG. “When you make the step up and go to a club like Liverpool, it's the ultimate test for you.

“I'm delighted for him. He's turned into a really, really top-class left-back. Look, he's been there at Liverpool for nearly 10 years - a great achievement from him.

“He’s one of my better signings. Sometimes you need a bit of luck and I wasn't going to play Andy to start with. I thought it was going to be one for the future. All of a sudden, we've got two, three injuries at left-back.

Bruce first brought Robertson to the Premier League in 2014

“First game of the season, QPR away, he makes his debut; I still remember it today, and he took it by storm. Wow, who's this kid? And he never came out the team.

“That's testament to Andy, that's testament to how he is. He grasped his opportunity very young. And as I said, from all the times I was there, he became the left-back of the club and very quickly established himself as a very good player.”

After three seasons at Hull, Robertson had demonstrated sufficient quality to earn a move to Liverpool.

Nine years later, the now Scotland captain has established himself as an Anfield legend, thanks to a trophy collection that includes two Premier League winners’ medals and a Champions League triumph.

But with his contract expiring and Robertson falling to second in the pecking order behind Milos Kerkez, there is a growing acceptance he will leave Liverpool this summer.

Robertson is expected to leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The experienced defender has made no secret of his desire to play more regularly, and was in talks over a January transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Bruce said the decision will ultimately come down to whether Robertson is happy playing second string.

“It'll be interesting to see. He's been Liverpool's left-back for donkey's years. I'm sure, knowing the way he is, he's not going to be that happy that he's not starting every week,” the 65-year-old said.

“But he's still got a part to play, I'm convinced of that. Whether he'll stay, I think that decision will only be Andy's.

“Whether he wants to play week in, week out, and drop down a level or play for a smaller club, who knows? But wherever he does his next step, he's had a wonderful career and I'm delighted to be a little part of it.”