Robertson set to equal Dalglish's Scotland caps record but insists milestone belongs to the legend

Andy Robertson will equal Sir Kenny Dalglish’s Scotland caps record of 102 when he leads the side out against North Macedonia at Hampden Park on Friday in a Nations League fixture, but the Tottenham left-back is determined to frame the occasion as a celebration of his predecessor rather than himself.

“Tomorrow’s not really about me,” Robertson said. “It’s about him in my opinion. For how long the record stood, for what he achieved in his career, for the person he is. It’s another reason for our country to tip our hat to one of the greatest players that have played the game, never mind in Scotland — he’s definitely the greatest in Scotland.”

Robertson spoke on the 40th anniversary of Dalglish’s final Scotland appearance, a 3-0 win over Luxembourg played during the period when Dalglish was simultaneously serving as Liverpool’s player-manager. The 32-year-old was quick to acknowledge that context.

“He reminds me all the time that 102 caps back then was a lot harder than 102 caps now, and he’s right because there were less games,” Robertson said. “In terms of numbers, I’ll stand side by side with him, but I don’t want people to forget how important this man has been for our country. He was arguably the best player in the world at his time and he’ll always be the greatest in this country.”

Dalglish has not been shy about the rivalry, recently joking that he hoped Robertson would retire before breaking the record outright. Robertson took the ribbing in good spirit while revealing a warmer side to their relationship.

“We’ve had a lot of jokes, but I also know deep down how proud he is of me and how happy he is for me as well,” Robertson said. “I always remember when I got the captaincy, he was one of the first people to text me and say, ‘I know I’ve been out of the game maybe a little bit, but if you need help, if you need somebody to bounce anything off, then I can be that person.’ Him and his family have been such a massive help to my family, especially in my time at Liverpool.”

Robertson is expected to surpass Dalglish’s tally outright when Scotland travel to Switzerland on Monday. Despite being 32, the former Dundee United defender shows no appetite for international retirement, citing unfinished business with the national team.

“I’m still hungry to achieve more for the country,” he said. “I want to get Scotland back to another major tournament. I want to try and get out the group stages.”