Andrew Robertson: Scotland showing confidence

Andrew Robertson says Scotland should take confidence from being unbeaten in six matches. Picture: SNS

SCOTLAND’S six-match unbeaten streak highlights the confidence coursing through the side right now, according to left-back Andrew Robertson.

The Tartan Army have enjoyed a fine upturn in fortunes since Gordon Strachan took the reins 16 months ago and currently sit 22nd in the FIFA world rankings.

They have not tasted defeat since losing to Belgium on September 6, with Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with World Cup-bound Nigeria extending their unbeaten run to six matches.

That form will heighten confidence of a successful European Championship qualifying campaign and Dundee United full-back Robertson is excited for the future.

“You can’t not take confidence from it,” he said. “We’re unbeaten in six.

“It was a good performance and maybe it should have been a win, but we’ll take the draw, I suppose.”

Only a last-gasp sucker-punch from substitute Uche Nwofor denied Scotland victory at Craven Cottage, where they dominated for the most part.

Charlie Mulgrew gave Strachan’s side the lead with a clever, if fluky, flick, before Michael Uchebo levelled with a strike that deflected off Grant Hanley, who moments earlier was harshly adjudged to have fouled Austine Ejide as the Super Eagles goalkeeper comically pawed the ball into his own net.

Scotland did not have to wait long for a Nigeria own goal thanks to Azubuike Egwuekwe, only for substitute Nwofor to deny them at the death.

“I thought it was a good performance by us,” Robertson said.

“We were keeping the ball really well and defended well, but obviously the late goal kind of takes the shine off it a wee bit.

“But, no, there is a lot we can take out of that game.”

Robertson was one of Scotland’s outstanding players in west London, where the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year was handed his first start.

“It is just the same as at United,” the 20-year-old said of the attacking mentality that so impressed onlookers. “The gaffer tells us to pick our moments and go forward as much as you can.

“That is the same with Gordon here. He told us to get forward and create chances. That’s what I tried, but first and foremost I am a defender.”

Robertson’s display will boost his chances of starting Scotland’s next match against Germany in September, when their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign begins.

Opponents Nigeria, meanwhile, have the small matter of the World Cup to contend with and captain Joseph Yobo, back in the team after a year-long absence, believes they can impress in Brazil.

“I haven’t been around for a while and I just told the young players to do the simple things, motivate yourself, do the right things, listen to yourself and play to your potential,” the defender, who ended the season on loan at Norwich, said.

“When the coach names the final 23, then we know we have a team but right now there is a lot of competition.

“This match was very experimental and hopefully now it will be mix and match. When we have the final team, we know we have a lot of experience and are very talented.

“The confidence is going to come. We’re African champions and hopefully the next friendly games will get us ready.”