Scotland star Andy Robertson has welcomed the new Nations League as an opportunity to finally get to a major finals.
The Scots will this year mark the 20th anniversary since they reached the World Cup in France in 1998.
Having missed out on this summer’s global spectacular in Russia, former Dundee United player Robertson is hoping that the Nations League can open the door to the European Championships in 2020.
The Liverpool left-back watched with interest as Scotland were placed in Group C1 with Israel and Albania – the only three-team group in League C – when the draw was made in Lausanne, Switzerland yesterday.
The Nations League has been devised by Uefa to replace friendlies in the fixture card and offers a path to the Euros for group winners.
That is something that has grabbed Robertson’s interest.
He said: “It was exciting to watch the Nations League draw play out.
“It’s something to look forward to.
“Pulling on the Scotland shirt always means the world to me and we’re determined to get to a major tournament.
“The Nations League is something that could take us there and we’ll put everything into it.
“It’s been a while since Scotland have played Israel and we’ve got a good record to defend.
“There are a few well-known names in their squad and the Celtic lads, I’m sure, will be giving Nir Bitton a bit of stick about it when the time comes.
“I think I’m right in saying that we’ve never played Albania before, so that will be something different for the squad and supporters alike.
“They did well to get to the last Euros and are clearly a nation on the up.”
The Nations League matches get under way this autumn.
The Scots start against Albania at Hampden on Monday, September 10, before heading to Israel on Thursday, October 11. They travel to play the Albanians on Saturday, November 17, before hosting the Israelis on Tuesday, November 20. All games have 7.45 pm kick-offs.
Ironically, given that the goal of the Nations League is replacing friendlies, Scotland having been drawn in a three-team group, will look to arrange “challenge” matches for the two international dates that are now free.
