OPINION
For a Scottish footballer it doesn’t get any better than receiving praise from Sir Kenny Dalglish. For a Scottish footballer playing for Liverpool it must be mind-blowing.
That is the situation Reds left back Andrew Robertson finds himself in after ‘King Kenny’ showered kind words on the former Hull City standout recently.
Dalglish gushed over his fellow Scot, who recently signed a contract extension at Anfield, saying in his Sunday Post column.: “For Andy to be where he was just seven years ago – when he was let go by Celtic – to where he is now, is a classic example to any young footballer that you should never give up and never stop believing.”
“Indeed, to young players up and down the UK who are freed every year by the big clubs, Andy is a role model. He has displayed just what can be achieved by hard work, perseverance and dedication.
“Andrew is absolutely at Liverpool on merit. He is not being carried by any player or the team. He makes a massive contribution. Long may it continue and here’s hoping he has silverware with the club to celebrate in May.”
Robertson’s career path is indeed remarkable. Released by the Hoops as a youngster he was forced to sign for Queens Park in Scotland, hardly a massive footballing institution.
It’s testament to him that within five years he was playing for Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in world football. Now he is Scotland captain and in the thick of a Premier League title race – and he’s still just 24 years of age.
There’s no doubt that reading these words from someone like Dalglish will have made Robertson feel like he’s reached the mountain top, that it can’t get any better than this.
However, as ‘King Kenny’ says, it is all about securing silverware at the end of the season – and Robertson will be key if that is to happen for the Reds.
