Robertson pays tribute to Diogo Jota as Scotland qualify for World Cup

Liverpool fullback Andy Robertson fights back tears as he said he was inspired by Diogo Jota after helping Scotland end their wait for a World Cup return.

Scotland secured a dramatic win over Denmark to book a place at the biggest football tournament.

Steve Clarke’s side scored twice in stoppage time to book their place at next summer’s finals with a 4-2 win at Hampden Park.

It will be the first time in 28 years that the Tartan Army have headed to a World Cup finals.

Robertson held back tears after the final whistle as he revealed he had hidden his emotions from his teammates prior to the match.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Scotland captain explained as he held back the tears: “It feels different [to big moments with Liverpool] I think I hid it well, but today I’ve been in bits.

“I knew the age I’m at and this would be my last chance to get to the World Cup.

“I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much together about the World Cup.

Diogo Jota celebrates with Andrew Robertson during a Premier League match. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

“When he missed out in Qatar because of injury, and I missed out because Scotland never went.

“We always discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup. I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight.

“I just couldn’t get him out of my head the whole day, I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier [but] I hid it well from the boys.”

Jota tragically passed away aged 28 alongside his brother Andre Silva in July from a car crash in Spain. Robertson played alongside Jota for five years at Anfield and the pair won the Premier League together last season.

They made a total of 129 appearances together for the Reds as they formed a strong friendship on and off the pitch.