THE ambitions that Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay hold for Scotland go beyond having standard bearers like themselves representing the country at the highest level in the English Premier League, but logically, success for the national team should follow if more Scots can join them there.
That’s the hope of Robertson, who will line up against his teammate at international level as a fierce foe come this Sunday evening as his Liverpool side travel to Old Trafford to take on bitter rivals Manchester United.
The battle of the Scots may be a minor subplot for the majority of those watching around the globe, but north of the border, it may serve as an encouraging sign about the standard of player available to national team manager Steve Clarke.
Outwith those two famous clubs, of course, Scottish talent seems to be making its presence felt in England once more, with Kieran Tierney at Arsenal and John McGinn at Aston Villa other high-profile examples.
Robertson would be delighted though if more of his countrymen could join him in keeping the tradition of Scottish involvement in this particular historic fixture going.
“There was a wee bit of banter with Scott McTominay during the Scotland duty, just a wee bit,” Robertson said. “Not much, honest.
“I thought Scotty was fantastic for us against San Marino, to be honest. And he’s been excellent all season in a United team that has had its critics. I think he’s carried himself very well.
“I’ll be looking forward to facing him on Sunday. Obviously, I hope to come out on top.
“There have also been a lot of Scottish players and manager who have contributed, down the years, to both clubs.
“We obviously have that connection and it’s good that me and Scotty can sort of fly the flag down there. Hopefully more can come down and join us, keep that tradition going.
“I think what makes the fixture so special is that it’s historic. There have been such great battles down the years.
“And they’ve always had top teams who have always fought against each other for everything on the pitch. It’s always like that. And it’s genuinely a different atmosphere when you play against them. It’s one game that we always look forward to.
“Since I’ve been a Liverpool player, we’ve not managed to get a result at Old Trafford. So hopefully that changes on Sunday.”
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