Andy Robertson admits Scotland will have to set aside their sympathy for Ukraine momentarily when they play them in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
The Liverpool star will captain his country as they attempt to make the global event for the first time since 1998. Scotland host Ukraine at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, aiming to make the final round of qualifying, where Wales lie in wait. The winner of that game will then be paired in a group with England at the tournament later this year.
Ukraine's players, several of whom ply their trade in the Premier League, have been forced to deal with terrible situations away from football and the domestic game has continued to show its support for those facing the Russian invasion.
Robertson has affirmed his sympathy for those caught up in the conflict but is determined to separate personal and professional matters while on the pitch on Wednesday. "We have huge sympathy for the people of Ukraine, of course we do," he told The Guardian. "I think it’s fair to say everyone at the Scottish FA and in this team has stood behind them from the start.
"What we have seen there is horrendous. For 90 minutes or 120 minutes, we need to separate our thoughts. We want to get to the World Cup, we have to be ready for the challenge and emotion Ukraine will provide."
Scotland were back competing an a major tournament last summer having qualified for the Euros. They only claimed one point from their three group games - drawing with England whilst losing to Croatia and the Czech Republic.
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Steve Clarke was the man to lead them last year and is aiming to back up that achievement by being in Qatar this winter. The former Kilmarnock boss has revived Scotland's fortunes with Robertson hailing the belief he's instilled.
“He has made us believe,” the Red said of his national team boss. “He has made us believe that we are a good team. I believe with the players we have, the standard we play at [domestically] is high but it was always about bringing that together into a team. Sometimes we didn’t have the balance quite right; the formation, the tactics.
“The gaffer and his staff have been a breath of fresh air. I have a really good relationship with him, which always helps, but everyone has the same. We now have a squad where we all show up, the training is always competitive, we make it hard for the manager to pick a team. We now have options."
