Former Dundee United defender Andy Robertson is looking forward to years of fierce competition for the left back starting position with Scotland.
The Hull City player is the man in possession of the dark blue jersey just now, and did his hopes of keeping it for tomorrow night’s clash with Slovakia no harm with some trademark runs and crosses in the second half against Lithuania.
But, with Kieran Tierney and Lee Wallace on the bench, and other impressive candidates not even in the squad, man of the match Robertson can’t afford to rest on his laurels.
“There has been a focus on the left back position because it is unusual to have three in the squad,” he said.
“It has been good to train with Lee and Kieran. You can learn from them, especially Lee who has been around the block for so long. Kieran and myself are still trying to make our way in the game.
“I have got to thank the manager for showing faith and sticking by me.
“Hopefully he was happy with my performance.”
Robertson added: “You want competition all over the pitch and I think we have got that.
“The left back position is probably the strongest it has been in a long time. Look at the people who aren’t getting picked like (Stephen) Kingsley and (Graeme) Shinnie, who are doing well at their clubs but getting left out.
“The three of us are grateful to be in the squad and are fighting for one place.
“I’m sure it will continue for a long time.”
Robertson believes pointless Slovakia will be the side under the most pressure in Trnava.
“I think the match is more important for them,” he said.
“They are at home and have no points just now and they are the second seeds.
“No one probably expected that. We are still sitting in second place with four points.
“We will probably be looking at it thinking it should be six but we are still sitting second.
“Their fans are probably frustrated so there will be pressure on them. They will need to come out to win the game so we can maybe hit them on the counter-attack.
“It would be good to go away from home and get a positive result and feel we are well placed after three games.”