Scotland become faithfuls or traitors before World Cup opener against Haiti

Andy Robertson has revealed an unorthodox way Scotland have prepared for their World Cup return. with the captain organising a game of Traitors for the squad during their buildup camp in the United States.

Scotland’s meeting with Haiti in Boston is their first World Cup game since 1998. Much has been made of Scotland’s togetherness in the lead up to this tournament. Robertson did not explain who among his teammates was a faithful. who a traitor, but did explain why the game was introduced.

“It was something we had done before. 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. get people out of their rooms, give quieter people a voice and give newer players a voice. So those were the ideas behind it.

“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. 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.”

Scotland’s preparations for Haiti have been boosted by Scott McTominay’s availability. The midfielder sat out training on Thursday due to a stomach complaint,. returned to the field on Friday, with Steve Clarke insisting the Napoli midfielder is in “perfect” condition. The manager, however, moved away from the sense of McTominay being a talisman within his squad.

“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. playing their part at certain times. We are delighted with Scott’s abilities. what he brings to the team, but another 15 will have to do the same if we are going to have a positive tournament.”

Clarke again urged caution in respect of judging Haiti, the 83rd-ranked team 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.”