'People come first' - Andy Robertson speaks out before Scotland World Cup play-off v Ukraine

The safety of people in Ukraine must come first as Scotland prepare to face the national team of the war-torn country, says captain Andy Robertson.

Scotland, led by Liverpool left-back Robertson, are supposed to take on Ukraine at Hampden Park in a World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, March 24.

The winners will then face Wales or Austria in the final - with the victors booking their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

As it stands Scotland's semi-final with Ukraine is still scheduled to go-ahead despite Russia's military invasion of the Eastern European country.

Robertson says that he and his team-mates will adhere to any ruling that is made.

“Unfortunately, as players we can’t control what happens," said Robertson, who is in the Liverpool squad for today's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

“But we have to realise that there are things more important than football and this is what this is.

“When Covid hit the world, that became more important than the game and this is another example.

“People’s safety has to come first, more than anything. When there is conflict between countries in the world, it’s not nice for anyone.

“I’m not clued up on politics. But clearly, this is a very serious situation and hopefully it can get resolved. I think that’s what everyone is hoping for.

“Conflict in the world is never good. So whatever is decided at UEFA with our game, we’ll understand given the circumstances in Ukraine.

“The game is still a wee bit away but no matter what happens, we’ll do our jobs.

“Ultimately, we’re just trying to get Scotland to a World Cup.”