I played in same school team as Liverpool star Andy Robertson and it would be a dream to line up for him with Scotland

Preston defender is in line for his first cap and says he's just hitting his prime

They say good things come to those who wait. And that’s certainly the case with big Liam Lindsay.

It feels like he’s been touted as a potential Scotland player for an eternity - ever since he got his move from Partick Thistle to the English Championship seven years ago. He excelled at Barnsley before eventually switching to Stoke City and his current club, Preston North End.

Finally, at the age of 28, he’s been given the call-up he’s craved since leaving Firhill as a raw centre-back. And Lindsay admits that - with all his experience down south - he’s far better equipped NOW to play for Scotland than he's ever been. The Deepdale defender will give Steve Clarke a different, left-footed option in the absence of Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna who are both injured. And if Lindsay is given his chance to shine against Croatia in Zagreb next Saturday, he’s confident he can grab it with both hands.

Ahead of the Nations League double-header, which also includes a visit from Portugal at Hampden, the Glaswegian said: “Over the years, I’ve always been mentioned with Scotland in the media or whatever. And I’ve never lost faith. I just had to continue to do what I was doing for my club. I think I’ve been playing consistently well for two years now and felt this was my best chance to get in the squad.

“Thankfully it has come. I think this is the best football I’ve played in my career. I feel like I’ve got a lot of trust from the manager and I’m at my prime. Now, I’m looking to take my chance with Scotland. It would mean the world to me to play. I’ve never been called up at any age group before but I never lost hope. I just feel honoured that it has come. And if I do get to pull on that jersey, I’ll take it in my stride. I’ll relish it.

“I’m definitely more ready to play for my country now than when I was a lot younger. Being a centre-back, I don’t think you hit your peak until a little bit later in your career. I’ve got experience now. Maybe not internationally, but domestically, and I’ll lean on that.”

It won’t be all new to Lindsay when he meets up with Clarke’s squad for the first time on Monday. Incredibly, he went to the same school as Scotland skipper Andy Robertson.

They were team-mates for a year at St Ninian’s in Glasgow - even though the current Liverpool left-back was an attacking midfielder back in the day. He’s played alongside keeper Angus Gunn in England, as well as playing against a few of Clarke’s boys in the SPFL.

He said: “Me and Andy went to the same school. He’s a year older than me so we didn’t cross paths until fifth and sixth year. We were in the same senior team but he actually played as a number 10 or striker! So we weren’t together in defence back then but he’s obviously kicked on a touch hasn’t he? It’ll be good to see him again.

“We didn’t really keep in touch as he’s had a busy life since then! I played with Angus when we were at Stoke and I’ve obviously crossed paths with other boys in the Championship. Even back in Scotland with Thistle, I played against Lawrence Shankland when we were young It’s unfortunate that Jack Hendry is injured because we came through at Firhill together.”

The likes of Alan Archibald at Jags and current gaffer Paul Heckingbottom have had a huge influence on Lindsay’s career to date. But he’s eager to work with Clarke at international level and take his game to another level.

The Scot has watched his old Barnsley team-mate, Ethan Pinnock, prosper in the Premier League after getting a move to Brentford. And Lindsay says that, as well as earning his first caps, he’s also determined to play at the highest level in England.

He said: “I’ll be looking to learn from everyone next week, including the manager. He sets his teams up so well and is a really good defensive coach. I’m always looking to learn and if I can pick up some new things I’ll be delighted. I’m still really ambitious, 100 percent. I want to play as high as I can - I’m not putting any limitations on it. At 28, I might seem old but look at Cristiano Ronaldo? He’s still playing at 39.

“So, no limitations. I want to go as high as I can and be the best I can be. Ethan is an inspiration. I played with him for two years and he’s gone on to fit into the Premier League without a problem. I know I’ve got the talent to do the same. I just need to be consistent and keep going.”

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