Ex-Scotland international discusses Scottish title race and Robertson rumours

Scottish legend Pat Nevin has shared his views on several major talking points around football in his nation, including Andy Robertson’s future, Hearts’ remarkable title push, and Scotland’s chances at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

AceOdds.com spoke to Nevin about whether Robertson could return to Celtic, how realistic Hearts’ title hopes are, and why the World Cup could be a defining tournament for Scotland’s current generation.

Robertson, Tierney and the Celtic question

With uncertainty surrounding Robertson’s future at Liverpool, Nevin believes a return to Celtic is an appealing idea — but not without complications.

“It is interesting because without all the technical stuff about styles etc, Kieran Tierney and Robertson, when they play for Scotland, in a back three, one of them, usually Tierney is the LCB. He played there for Arsenal quite a few times and was very good at that.”

“Scotland are amazing down the left-hand side because they work well as a pair. So can you play with both of them in the same team? Yes, you can. Robertson can play as a wing-back and Tierney can play the CB role, so can Robbo.”

He did, however, point out that fitting both into more common club systems is not straightforward.

“The only problem is how do you fit that into a 4-2-3-1, which is what most teams are playing. That's harder.”

“If Martin O'Neill stays at Celtic, which I don't know if he will, he always used to use a back three when he was first there and it was incredibly successful.”

“It'll come down to the cost because I'm afraid Celtic have a lot of other jobs to do other than left full-back. They've got creative jobs to do. They'll get Jota back next season which will make a big difference.”

“So it's a nice idea and it would fit well but it is also A) costly and B) if you're going to be utterly heartless about it, there ain't no sell-on value. And that's not Celtic's model, most of the time.”

Scotland targeting a breakthrough at the World Cup

Turning to Scotland’s chances at the World Cup, Nevin believes progression from the group stage is achievable — even against strong opposition.

“To get through that group, three points might be enough. The way it's working, a lot of the third-placed teams are going to get through. So three points might be enough.”

“Brazil, wow, if we get points off of them, but unlikely. Morocco, they are absolutely amazing. Phenomenal team. I was at all of their games at the last World Cup in Qatar and they were brilliant. They were a joy to watch.”

“The idea of Scotland beating them is a long shot as well. A draw, I'd snap your hands off right now if we could get that. So, again a long shot but you never know. The Scots have punched above their weight a few times.”

Nevin also pointed to external factors that could influence performance.

“Remember it's gonna be hot over there in Boston and then in Miami as well. That could work against Scotland.”

“So you're talking Haiti now and Scotland have to make sure that everyone's fit, everyone's up for it and everyone knows the importance of winning that game. And winning it quite well because that might play a role as well.”

He believes this tournament could serve as the peak for a talented Scottish core.

“Under Steve Clarke, we've qualified for three of the past four tournaments. We haven't gone past the group stage. It's never been easier to go through because there's so many third place teams set to go through. But it still doesn't make it easy.”

“I think we'll do it. I think we have a good group of players and it's getting to be the last chance for some of them. Tierney, Robbo, John McGinn, Scott McTominay. There's a whole bunch of players that are a golden age for us in Scotland. Ryan Christie as well.”

“This is their moment. It's the World Cup. We've waited a long time. They're all fit, they've all had long seasons. Four more years might be a push for quite a few of them, to be at their peak anyway.”

“It's a big moment for Steve Clarke as manager. Biased completely because he's one of my mates.”

In their next World Cup warm-up game, Scotland will host Japan, where they are priced at 9/4 to pick up a momentum-building win. If you fancy backing them to do so, you can check out our free bet calculator to see how much you can stand to earn.

Hearts chasing something extraordinary

Hearts’ unlikely push for the league title could see a champion not named Celtic or Rangers for the first time since 1985. The ex-Chelsea man states that Hearts are attempting something that goes far beyond a typical title challenge, given the dominance of Celtic and Rangers.

“It is quite extraordinary. Everybody knows the power and strength of Celtic and Rangers because they are mighty clubs. The financial heft in comparison to everyone else is extraordinary. You should never be able to beat them over the course of a season.”

“Now they're not rubbish, Celtic and Rangers, but they've had problems, both of them, this season. They've both massively underperformed this season. Probably because it's been a very transitional period for both teams.”

“Whereas you look at Hearts and it looks brilliantly organised and really steady. These are very hard words to say for a Hibernian FC supporter but they have been great, they have been phenomenal.”

As a Hibs fan, he even admitted he wouldn’t begrudge them success — despite the rivalry.

“I said this when asked a while ago, would Hibs fans be okay with Hearts winning the league and I said, yes. My social media suggested I might have been wrong (laughs). I am one who wouldn't be upset by it.”

Nevin stressed that a Hearts title would have wider significance across the game.

“But what an extraordinary thing it would be considering the limitations of finances when compared to the big two. Have a look down south, have a look in Spain, in France. Who wins the league? The teams that win the league are almost always the ones with a big financial advantage.”

“So if Hearts win this, it isn't just a big thing for Scottish football. This is a big thing for football. I really do think it's that special.”

He is also enjoying the unpredictability of the title race and says that all teams will have their hiccups, dismissing suggestions that the race is already decided.

“Exciting times. I'm loving it cause I've been going to some of the games. Recently Hearts were beaten 4-2 by Rangers. The Celtic and Rangers game was stressful and full of pressure more than ever.”

“All the top six playing each other makes it so much better and exciting as well, cause Celtic will have to play Rangers and Hearts have got to play them. Hibs will be in there. It's going to be phenomenal.”

“Every time any team drops points, like Celtic did against Dundee United, everyone will shout, 'it's finished'. That's rubbish because others will drop points too.”

“All you have to look back is the last time Hearts were in a position to win it. All they needed to do was win a game that they didn't. Away from home, the last game of the season which they were expected to win and they didn't. Celtic won 5-0, I believe, at St. Mirren.”

“So anyone who tells you it's finished - Celtic are out of it, Rangers are out of it, Hearts are gonna implode - they're talking rubbish. Nobody knows and that's why it's brilliant.”

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