Andy Robertson is thrilled Steve Clarke has been loyal to the Scotland core who got the nation back to the big stage.
But the skipper is also delighted to see the young guns blooded and he’s determined to help them settle in the squad.
Robertson has been blown away by Billy Gilmour at Chelsea, David Turnbull’s star turn at Celtic and Nathan Patterson exploding on to the scene at Rangers.
He reckons all three have earned their place in the squad for the Euros and he’s out to make sure the step up is seamless.
Robbo remembers when he was a wide-eyed kid coming up and the guidance he got from the likes of Darren Fletcher and Scott Brown. Now it’s his turn to take a leading role.
Speaking to PLZ Soccer, he said: “I’ve had a brief chat will all three of them and told them to come in with the confidence they’ve been playing with at club level.
“Do exactly what they have been doing because that is why they are there.
“It’s up to me and the other lads to make them feel welcome and I’ve go no doubts about that.
“I know as a young lad how daunting it can be going in, especially to a national team.
“At club level you can settle quickly, you’ve got pre-season, but it’s different at international level and it can be difficult.
“I remember when I was young, I’d only been at Dundee United nine months and only played against maybe Scott Brown and James Forrest.
“But I remember how great they and other players were at helping me settle.
“My first camp was amazing. Gordon Strachan and the coaches helped with guys like Brown and Darren Fletcher helping me do what I do on the pitch.
“That’s what I try to say to these boys. They are in there because of what they do on the pitch and the references they’ve had off it.
“I’ve played against Billy a couple of times and I’ve spoken to him a couple of times.
“He’s a confident lad and he’s an unbelievable footballer too.
“David Turnbull I spoke to a couple of times when his Celtic move fell through the first time as we have the same agent.
“I don’t really know Nathan but it’s important to see as many friendly faces as you can and have people to rely on.
“Those three can definitely come to me and hopefully everything will go smoothly for them.
“I’ve got no doubts, it’s a fantastic squad and group of people.
“They will settle in quickly and they will love what lies ahead.”
Robertson has been keeping tabs on Gilmour after being wowed when the Chelsea kid came out on top when the pair clashed last term.
He said: “I played in his first start in the FA Cup when he was Man of the Match and we got beaten, which wasn’t great.
“I went up after the game and just said keep doing what you are doing, you’ll be in the Scotland squad soon enough with those performances.
“I know a few of the Chelsea boys and they say his attitude is spot on in training and he’s disappointed when he doesn’t get his chance.
“You can see the Chelsea manager trusts him in big games, despite his age, so that shows you he’s doing something right.
“Billy is a special talent. It’s about staying level-headed and hearing the people who are close to him there are no doubts over that.
“He’s got a big future and will have a huge career in the game. I’m excited to see him grow. I’m sure that we’ll see him in a Scotland jersey for many years to come.”
Robertson is raring to go after helping Liverpool end a tough campaign by bagging a Champions League spot in dramatic style on the final day of the Premier League.
Now the focus is firmly on Scotland and he reckons Steve Clarke has a group of players to make an impact at the Euros.
He said: “I’m really excited by it. I think the manager has tried to keep the core that’s been with him from the start, which is always good.
“We’ve created a kind of club mentality in the squad, which is always difficult with national teams.
“But we’ve managed it. We’re a really close group and we’ve had the experience of the two penalty shoot-outs which helps. It’s a good bunch of boys.
“I’m glad a lot of the core can make it as well.
“We’ve lost a few to injury sadly with Ryan Jack, Oli McBurnie and Kenny McLean, who will be huge misses on and off the park.
“They are incredible guys and I’m gutted for them but I’m sure they will soon be back playing well in Scotland jerseys.
“Hopefully we can get to more tournaments and then they can be part of it.”
Robertson admits the excitement is building with every passing day.
The skipper said: “It became real when the squad was announced but now we’ll go over to Spain to prepare and be as ready as we can be.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Scotland player, hopefully it’s an exciting time to be a fan and the country will be bouncing.
“I hope we can bring a bit of joy after a tough year for everyone.”
