PETER Grant has predicted that seeing Andy Robertson’s play for Liverpool in the Champions League final will inspire other Scottish footballers to scale the same heights in future.
Scotland left back Robertson was left devastated in the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on Saturday night as his side crashed to a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid.
But the defender acquitted himself well during the 90 minutes and denied Cristiano Ronaldo a certain goal with a perfectly-timed tackle with the scoreline 2-1 in the second-half.
Grant, the Scotland assistant coach, watched the match in Lima, Peru, along with the entire national squad and was impressed with his display.
He believes the 24-year-old, who was turning out for amateur side Queen’s Park five years ago, has shown aspiring players how far they can go if they apply themselves.
“Look at where Andy Robertson has gone since playing for Queen’s Park,” he said. “That shows you his determination and guts – and that is what Scotland has always been built on.
“Technique is important, but technique is only part of it. It is about enthusiasm, drive, determination, guts.
“We just need to show the boys a picture of Andy Robertson from a couple of years ago. We were all excited for him. It is fantastic that he is part of our group. It is fantastic to have him in the Premier League."
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Grant was also pleased that his former club Fulham won the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday as it means Scotland players Tom Cairney, who scored the only goal, and Kevin McDonald will be playing in the top flight down south next season.
“That is two other Scottish guys who have an opportunity to play in the Premier League,” he said. “Big Callum (Cardiff player Paterson) and Barry (Wolves left back Douglas) have been promoted, so there are two other guys playing in the Premier League.
“It has been a long time since we have had a lot of Scottish guys in the Premier League, but that is what we want to try and achieve. The bigger the games they play the more it will help us as a nation. The higher the level these guys can play at the better.”
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