Scotland captain Andy Robertson opens up on Ukraine ’emotion’ ahead of World Cup clash

Scotland will take on Ukraine as both countries target a World Cup spot in Qatar, with Andy Robertson looking to separate the emotion from the contest

Andy Robertson admits Scotland will have to momentarily put aside their sympathy for Ukraine when they face them in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

The Liverpool star will lead his country as they attempt to make it to the global event for the first time since 1998. Scotland host Ukraine at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, aiming to progress to the final round of qualifying, where Wales await. The winner of that match will then be paired in a group with England at the tournament later this year.

Ukrainian players, many of whom ply their trade in the Premier League, have been forced to face dire situations away from football and domestic football has continued to show support for those facing the Russian invasion.

Robertson affirmed his sympathy for those caught up in the conflict, but is determined to separate personal and professional matters on the court on Wednesday. “We have immense sympathy for the Ukrainian people, of course we have it,” he said. The Guardian. “I think it’s fair to say that everyone at the Scottish FA and in this team has been supporting them from the start.

“What we saw there is horrible. For 90 minutes or 120 minutes we have to separate our thoughts. We want to get to the World Cup, we have to be ready for the challenge and the emotion that Ukraine will provide.”

Scotland were back in a major tournament last summer after qualifying for the Euros. They have won just one point from their three group matches – drawing with England while losing to Croatia and the Czech Republic.

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Steve Clarke was the man who ran them last year and is aiming to back up that feat by being in Qatar this winter. The former Kilmarnock boss has reignited Scotland’s fortunes with Robertson hailing the conviction he instilled.

“He made us believe,” the Red said of his national team boss. “He made us believe that we were a good team. I believe that with the players we have, the level at which we play [domestically] is high, but it was always about putting that together in a team. Sometimes we didn’t have the right balance; training, tactics.

“The gaffer and his team have been a breath of fresh air. I have a very good relationship with him, which always helps, but everyone has the same thing. We now have a team where we all show up, training is always competitive, we make it difficult for the manager to choose a team. We now have options.”