Scotland coach Steve Clarke has hit back at the Tartan Army barracking Liverpool fullback Andrew Robertson.

For the defeats against Russia and Belgium, Robertson received the brunt of the criticism levelled at the squad.

"Listen, when you don't win matches you are going to be crucified," Clarke told The Scotsman.

"Andy is experienced enough to realise that. He is the captain and the one who gets it. But it is unfair. It's unfair to single out Andy Robertson and say that he should take the criticism.

"Everyone should take the criticism. It's a collective thing. I have spoken to Andy since, we had a good chat and he is fine."

Robertson is not the first Scottish Liverpool player to be questioned for his performances at international level. Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen were both subjected to the same treatment.

"There is always going to be certain criticism – Alan Hansen wasn't good enough to play for Scotland either," Clarke bemoaned.

"The best way to avoid the criticism is to get points, to win matches and draw matches you are expected to lose. That just makes everyone feel a little bit better.

"It's the same in club football. Winning covers a multitude of sins. If you start to win matches everyone will be on board and more positive about it. They will stop talking about the players who are not selected and instead speak about the ones who are."