Andy Robertson has revealed an unconventional method Scotland used to prepare for their return to the World Cup, with the captain organizing a game of Traitors for the squad during their training camp in the United States.
Scotland will face Haiti in Boston on Saturday, marking their first World Cup match since 1998. Much has been made of the team's unity leading up to the tournament, and Robertson explained why the game was introduced.
"It was something we had done before and decided to do again because we can spend a lot of time in our rooms or on our own," the 32-year-old said. "It is not easy being away from your family, your kids. It was something to try and get people out of their rooms, give quieter people a voice and give newer players a voice. So those were the ideas behind it."
Robertson did not disclose which teammates were faithfuls or traitors, but noted the game helped pass the time. "Whether it has worked or not, I am not sure, but we certainly enjoyed it. That was last week, that is what took up our time after training was done. It is just about trying different ways of making time pass quickly because we knew these two weeks would probably drag. You just want the first game to come. That, along with other things, helped to just quicken the time. It hasn't felt too long that we have been away."
McTominay available for Haiti clash
Scotland's preparations received a boost with Scott McTominay's availability. The midfielder missed Thursday's training due to a stomach issue but returned to the pitch on Friday, with manager Steve Clarke confirming the Napoli player is in "perfect" condition. However, Clarke downplayed the idea of McTominay being a talisman.
"I have 26 superstars here," Clarke said. "To try and put so much on to one person is not fair. Everything over the last seven years has been the squad, the team, everyone being together and playing their part at certain times. We are delighted with Scott's abilities and what he brings to the team, but another 15 will have to do the same if we are going to have a positive tournament."
Respect for underdog Haiti
Clarke urged caution regarding Haiti, ranked 83rd in the world. "It is important we respect the opposition," said the 62-year-old. "We have watched Haiti very closely over the last six months, since the draw was made. We respect their abilities on the pitch. Since they qualified they have improved the squad by bringing players in that have made them better. We think we know how they are going to play but obviously any team can become different. They have very dynamic players, especially the attacking players, so we have to be careful."
