RON OUR WAY BACK

Skipper Andy taking heart from improved display that shows all hope is not lost

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT

IT'S not in Andy Robertson's nature to ever be happy with a defeat.

The Scotland skipper's character just wouldn't allow it.

You don't get to the level he's operating at with Liverpool in the Premier League by shrugging off any loss.

But Robertson has also been in the game long enough to recognise a bit of progress in performance. And by sensing positive signs that a group of players are slowly but surely getting back on track.

In the bowels of the Estadio da Luz after Sunday night's 2-1 reverse at the hands of Portugal Robertson wasn't satisfied.

He still had a look of sheer frustration on his face as Scotland's dismal run of one win in 14 games continued in Lisbon.

After their displays at Euro 2024 in the summer the captain was left drained and dejected.

He might even have wondered whether Steve Clarke's squad would ever recover from it. But now? Robertson feels encouraged and energised again.

Their two narrow Nations League defeats to Poland and Portugal were far from perfect.

But they at least offered a bit of hope. They began the process of restoring the country's faith in Clarke and his players.

And listening to Robertson you get the feeling it has given the squad a bit of belief again.

Scotland fought hard against Roberto Martinez's star-studded side and looked like they'd take home at least a point before Cristiano Ronaldo's late winner.