New Scotland recruit Liam Lindsay’s links to Andy Robertson and football family

LIAM LINDSAY heard talk of a Scotland call-up for seven years and nothing came of it.

But the former Partick Thistle starlet never lost hope that one day it would happen.

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Now Preston North End defender Lindsay, 28, is finally part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the Nations League ties against Croatia and Portugal.

And he’s certain he’s better prepared for a first cap now than he’s ever been after stints at Barnsley and Stoke following his move south at just 21.

Lindsay, in the squad with Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna out injured and Liam Cooper yet to play for new club CSKA Sofia, said: “I think over the last few years I’ve always been mentioned, be it the media or whatever.

“It’s not that I’ve ever lost faith or anything like that, I just had to keep continuing what I was doing for my club.

“I’ve been playing consistently and been playing well for the last two years. I think I’m playing my best football.

“I was just trying to get my best chance to get in the squad and thankfully it’s come.

“I moved down south when I was 21. I had a good few seasons for Barnsley. We got relegated, mind you, but we went straight back up and then I moved to Stoke City.

“Stoke was a bit of a sticky time in my career. I wasn’t playing as much, then I eventually got the move to Preston.

“I didn’t get going straight away, but after a year I started playing consistently.

“The last few years I feel I’ve got a lot of trust from the manager and the other players.

“I feel like I’m in my prime now. I’ve been playing the best football of my career.

“I’ve picked up a lot of experience along the way too. Obviously not on the international front, but I’ve played a lot of games domestically and I’ll be trying to lean on that.

“When I get a foot in the door on Monday when the group meets up, I’ll be leaning on the likes of Grant Hanley and Ryan Porteous and the boys who are there because they’ve obviously got that international experience I’m talking about. Steve Clarke has done an amazing job with the national team.

He obviously sets them up really well. I think he’s a really good defensive kind of manager.

“So, of course, I’ll be looking to learn off everyone. I’m always looking to learn and if I pick up one or two things I’ll be delighted.

“If the chance to play comes? I haven’t even got my foot in the door yet. But it would mean the world.

“I’ve not been called up in any age group or anything, but I’ve never really lost hope.

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“I’m just thankful and honoured that it’s come.

“If I do get to put on that jersey, I’ll just try to take it in my stride and relish it.

“I just want to play at as high a level as I can. I’m not putting any limitations on it or anything. I always strive to be the best I can be.”

Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston are closer to the bottom than the top of the Championship, but it’s early days and Lindsay’s dream is to reach the Premier League.

He played alongside Ethan Pinnock at Barnsley, who’s now starring with Brentford in the top flight.

Lindsay is convinced he can join him there.

He said: “I played with Ethan for two years and he’s gone on and fitted into the Premier League no problem.

“I know I’ve got the talent to do it. I just need to keep going and being consistent.

“I like to compete, win my headers, my duels.

“I like to think I’m quite calm on the ball. Calm and confident.”

Lindsay’s also looking forward to a reunion with Scotland captain and past St Ninian’s High, buddy Andy Robertson.

He revealed: “We went to the same school [in Giffnock]. Andy’s a year older than me, so we didn’t really cross paths until maybe fifth, sixth year. We were in the same senior team.

“I think he actually played No 10 back then. He’s obviously kicked on, hasn’t he?

“I’ve not really kept in contact or anything. But it’ll be good to see him.”

Lindsay didn’t lack for football inspiration as a youngster while in his first few years as a pro he was well served by coaches.

His uncle, Ricky Gillies, played for St Mirren, Aberdeen and Scotland Under-21s, while his father James was once on the books at Celtic.

Lindsay grinned: “So he says! I think he was a goalie years ago. I’m not sure what age.

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“He didn’t really talk about it a lot, but he did tell me he was at Celtic. I don’t know if he couldn’t deal with it or something like that.

“He’s a bit quiet about it, but I think he was a half- decent goalie.

“I know he’s not a manager, but obviously my dad’s also been massive in my journey. He knows the game and he’s played it.

“He’s obviously given me a lot of good advice through the years.

“Ricky Gillies is my uncle. I’ve obviously been to a few of his games when he was at St Mirren. He did make me want to be a footballer.

“There’s so many influences for me. I think you need to look at somebody who gave you your chance, which was Alan Archibald at Partick Thistle, especially him being a defender as well. He taught me a lot.

“There’s been a lot of managers, but I think the one I’ve got now, I had him at Barnsley as well. He’s been a big help.

“He trusted me at Barnsley when I just came down, 21 years old, going in the Championship, playing me every game.

“He saw something in me and he’s done a lot for me too. The gaffer has definitely made me a better player.”

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