Andy Robertson tells Tartan Army to raise the roof as Scotland look to book place at World Cup for the first time since 1998

Andy Robertson has called on the Tartan Army to raise the roof at Hampden and finally take Scotland all the way back to the World Cup.

Despite losing away to Greece on Saturday night, Steve Clarke’s side know a victory against Denmark will guarantee them a place at next summer’s finals by topping Group C.

After qualifying for France 1998, Scotland supporters have been forced to watch from afar throughout six separate editions of the international game’s biggest tournament.

Although Clarke broke a cycle of failure by reaching the European Championships in 2020 and 2024, the late Craig Brown remains the last manager to lead the country to a World Cup.

And skipper Robertson, who’s set to win his 90th cap, feels the energy from the stands can make all the difference on a night that could go down in history.

‘There was huge frustration after our game with Belarus in terms of the reaction in the media and from fans - even from within our changing room,’ said the Liverpool full-back.

‘But points are points, you need them on the board and we managed to get three that day.

‘A lot has been said during this campaign. There’s been a bit of negativity and maybe some of it has been justified.

‘But we’re sitting here with 10 points, one behind first place and 90 minutes away from the World Cup.

‘If we perform the way I believe we can - and we’ve shown it over periods in this campaign - I think we’ve got enough to get the win.

‘We’re excited for tomorrow and the lads will be ready.

‘We hope the fans are ready inside the stadium to get behind us, no matter what.

‘There might be setbacks and frustrations, but all I’d say is, get to your seat early, make a noise, make it an incredible atmosphere for these lads - because we’ll react off that.’

Robertson is acutely aware that the country will come to standstill for 90 minutes as supporters who are unable to make it to Hampden gather to see if a lengthy wait for World Cup qualification will soon be over.

Referencing the surprise result in Copenhagen which ensured Clarke’s men remained on course, he added: ‘I think pub and bar owners will be delighted that Belarus got the draw!

‘They’ll be busy and we know Hampden will be a sell-out and packed. We’ve been very fortunate in going to Euros and feeling the whole the country (backing the team), because that’s not always been the case, rightly or wrongly.

‘We’ve always felt the love from the country, we’ve always felt people behind us.

‘We only landed back last night, but even walking through the airport, and seeing people out today, people are wishing us well and good luck.

‘They hope we can do it and it’s a massive thing for all of us to feel the love from the country, knowing that they are right behind us. We’ll definitely feel that tomorrow and it’s up to us to hopefully deliver that for all of them.’

Saturday’s drama saw Scotland handed a reprieve in extraordinary circumstances with Belarus, the group whipping boys, holding on for a draw against the top-seeded Danes.

With Clarke’s admitting the team caught a break, many supporters believe that qualification is now written in the stars.

Urging caution, though, Robertson stressed: ‘I think it is dangerous territory. I don’t believe in that.

‘They are a fantastic team, a team full of quality, a team that’s pot one for a reason.

‘It’s a team that is used to qualifying for tournaments and as it stands they are obviously going to the World Cup because they are in first place as it stands. It’s up to us to try to take away what they have at the moment.

‘We need to score one goal at least, we have to win the game. If we do that we know where that takes us.’

Without underestimating how huge the occasion is, Robertson feels this group of players has the experience to handle it.

‘When you look through the whole squad we have played in a lot of big games in terms of cup finals, league deciders, big games for Scotland, trying to qualify for the Euros and things like that,’ he said.

‘We have played in the big games and we have that experience. But there’s no playing down this game, it is obviously a massive game for us and we know what a win would do.

“It’s exciting, of course it is. I think everyone in the country would have bitten the hand off for a play-off at the start of September. I don’t think anyone wouldn’t have, and the fact we have that in our back pocket is a positive.’

Billy Gilmour is the only player to miss out having not trained since sitting out the Greece game with a minor injury.