Scotland captain Andy Robertson says meeting up with his international teammates again can help him get over a difficult week at Liverpool.
The Anfield side suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris St Germain in the Champions League last week before losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.
Robertson is now in Athens, aiming to help Steve Clarke’s men keep their Nations League A position in the play-off with Greece.
He insists that a good result for the national team would be the perfect tonic for getting over the disappointments of last week.
The 31-year-old said: “It’s part and parcel of football. It probably wasn’t one of our best weeks in football, though thankfully, we’ve had plenty of good weeks this season.
“For many reasons, last week wasn’t meant to be. But it’s always great to meet up with the Scotland lads, always an honour, always good to see fresh faces and take a break from a really intense time at Liverpool.
“It’s been nice; it’s made it easier to get over the disappointment.”
It isn’t all bad news on the domestic front for Roberston as he gets closer to a second Premier League title with Liverpool holding a 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal.
He is confident of retaining his place at Anfield next season despite the Merseyside club being linked with “pretty much every left-back in the world”.
He said: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world.
“That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.
“Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.
“Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.
“I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.
“That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion.
“It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.”
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