BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Andrew Robertson insists Scotland’s Hull City contingent never considered opting out of international duty despite a gruelling Championship campaign.
Tartan Tigers Robertson, Shaun Maloney and Robert Snodgrass all immediately made their way to Malta to join up with Gordon Strachan’s squad following their 1-0 playoff final win against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.
It is a remarkable show of commitment from the trio, especially the former Dundee United full-back, who has already played 55 matches this term during an all-action campaign.
But, as he prepares to face France in Metz tomorrow, Robertson is adamant snubbing Strachan never crossed his mind.
He said: ”We have [Shaun] Maloney and [Robert] Snodgrass here, and Greegsy [Allan McGregor] wanted to make it, but unfortunately was injured.
“Straight after we won promotion the three guys were on the phone and working out how to get here, because it is vital to meet up with the boys, especially before the World Cup qualifiers.
“It is going to be a big qualifying campaign and hopefully we can be a major part of that.
“To do that you need to play in the friendlies and work your way into the gaffer’s team.”
Robertson admits he is reporting for duty in buoyant mood after describing their dramatic promotion as the biggest achievement of his club career.
And he believes he is returning to the promised land of the English top flight as a far superior player from when he endured the heartbreak of relegation in the 2014/15 season.
He told the SFA: “We’ve had a bit of an up and down season, but that was a great achievement for all of the boys. The main aim for the start of the season was to get promoted and thankfully we have been able to do that.
“Obviously, when you are a young boy you want to play for your country, and I have been lucky enough to do that. But, club-wise I think that is my greatest achievement, to get a side out of the Championship after suffering relegation is tough going.
“I’m buzzing to be back in the Premier League. I had a stint in it last season – my first campaign since leaving Scotland – but I will be better equipped this time.
“The Championship is a high-intensity league and you learn things that can only help in the Premier League.”
