ByThomas Duncan

BBC Sport Scotland

During Scotland's training camp in Turkey ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers versus Greece and Denmark last November, Andy Robertson took on the role of Claudia Winkleman.

The skipper had set up a 'Traitors' contest for the group, complete with boards and small shields. Those selected headed to his room nightly to decide who to 'eliminate'.

A full week of hunting the Traitors followed, with players joining challenges and activities while preparing for two major fixtures.

Robertson used this to unite the squad and add enjoyment under pressure. It highlights the 32-year-old's role in the team.

As a performer, colleague and leader, 'Robbo' has left a lasting impression on these Scotland players.

His path from Hampden ticket office duties to guiding Scotland toward their first men's World Cup in 28 years cements his status as a national hero.

'I've always tried to give 100%' - the player

Robertson's worth to Liverpool drew praise recently as he departed Anfield after nine seasons.

Starting as an attacking full-back who, per Jurgen Klopp, struggled defensively upon joining from Hull City in 2017, he rose to elite level.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Robertson broke Premier League assist marks in Klopp's intense side and left Liverpool with two league titles plus a Champions League crown.

Some call him the club's top left-back ever, a notable claim at Liverpool. For Scotland, his story differs.

His Anfield profile added expectations on international duty. A country long without major events sought a standout.

Yet left-backs seldom become the focus. Robertson once quipped in a note to a Liverpool supporter about sending Roberto Firmino's shirt after a donation: "Because nobody wants the left-back's shirt."

Robertson sometimes faced questions over his spot, as Kieran Tierney challenged for the left-back role. At Hampden, chants often celebrate Scott McTominay and John McGinn's goals.

His Scotland career centers on steady excellence and reliability, starting when Gordon Strachan promoted him from the under-21s for his debut in March 2014.

Across 12 years and 93 caps - only Kenny Dalglish has more - Robertson has played an average of 84 minutes per match.

His constant runs, deliveries and committed tackles remain key. His skill is clear, yet colleagues praise his wider contributions.

"I've always just tried to give 100% and also tried to enjoy it," Robertson told Kelly Cates in a BBC Sport interview last month.

"We know we're very lucky to do the best job in the world, in my opinion. So many little boys and girls have dreams of becoming footballers when they're younger. And 99% of them don't make it.

"We're in the small percentage that are very lucky to go and achieve their dreams. And I think I've always carried that with me."

The captain and team-mate

Alex McLeish appointed Robertson Scotland captain in September 2018 following Scott Brown's retirement.

Then he had 22 caps but had secured Liverpool's left-back spot as they reached the Champions League final.

It spoke volumes that he was the clear pick at age 24. He has now led Scotland more than any prior player.

"He's just a very humble guy," James McFadden, then a national team assistant, said. "You would never know he plays for Liverpool, top of the league and in the Champions League final. He's a leader."

Robertson's lively character and knack for connecting with others stand out.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke notes he can be both "demanding" and "understanding" as needed.

Napoli and Scotland midfielder McTominay concurs. "Top boy, Robbo," he told the Scottish FA in a recent documentary.

"He's such a great captain and he's got that good balance between being one of the senior players and saying you need to wake up if you're not playing well.

"Then he's also got the personable side, organising things with the manager, helping young players and stuff. He's brilliant with that, brilliant."

Examples abound of Robertson in action. He and seniors felt the squad under-celebrated achievements.

Now, players receive a custom Scotland shirt for their first cap and other landmarks.

Clips show him joking with colleagues. Klopp called him a "mood-lifter" and "energy-giver" at Liverpool.

The tributes ahead of his last Liverpool game were telling.

Robertson calls the national team setup "special" and, while crediting Clarke, colleagues highlight his influence.

That bond has proven vital in reaching three major tournaments. For Robertson, it means all.

"We've all grown up together and I played against all these lads when I was 10, 11," he said.

"I've played against [John] McGinn my whole life. Kenny [McLean] and Ryan Christie and people like that. And now to be going to the World Cup with these, that I consider my best mates. It's just an absolutely incredible feeling."

From needing a job to World Cup

A social media post often surfaces. For Robertson, it is the one from age 18 noting he was short of funds and seeking work.

Then he played for Queen's Park in Scottish League Two on £18 weekly.

It resurfaces as a nod to his path after release by Celtic at 15.

While at Queen's Park - then amateur - he handled Hampden tickets and bootroom tasks for extra pay.

Under a year later, Robertson featured regularly for Dundee United and soon reached the Premier League with Hull City plus a full Scotland call-up.

"He doesn't like talking about his story," John McGinn told the Scottish FA.

"He'll no like hearing it - but that'll never happen again. Part-time football to go so quickly to Hull, Liverpool, Champions League winner, Premier League winner, captaining your country at a World Cup. That's fairytale stuff.

"It's a documentary I can't wait to sit back and watch, the Andy Robertson documentary."

His Hull manager Steve Bruce praised Robertson's growth to handle greater tests. Strachan highlighted his quick learning.

Robertson credits his rise mainly to "luck" with supportive coaches plus his effort.

"What I could control is I went into football with: 'I will give this 100% and, if I don't make it, at least I can look back and go, you know what, I gave that absolutely everything and wasn't for me."

Robertson nears Dalglish's 102 Scotland caps and holds the captaincy record.

The McTominay mural of his overhead kick versus Denmark stands by Hampden, near Robertson's childhood home. It may gain company.

Robertson is the lad who moved from posting about hardship to tousling Lionel Messi's hair en route to Champions League glory.

From fielding Hampden calls to ending Scotland's World Cup wait at the same venue, 14 years later.

He may not enjoy the attention, yet his tale can motivate young Scots for years ahead.

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