Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Scotland captain Andy Robertson gave each of his team-mates a personalised gift before the squad departed for the United States this summer.
The gesture, which included traditional Scottish items and a handwritten letter from Robertson, has been praised by Celtic full-back Anthony Ralston.
Ralston described it as an “amazing touch” from the new Spurs defender as Scotland prepare for their first World Cup campaign in 28 years.
The 27-year-old defender says the gift perfectly captures the togetherness that manager Steve Clarke has built within the squad over his tenure.
Ralston said: “It was a lovely wee gift from Andy with some traditional items and a personal letter. It was a brilliant touch from him.”
Robertson’s letter focused on pride and collective purpose, with Ralston explaining that the message carried real emotional weight for every player in the group.
“The message just said how proud he was personally of the squad and also how we want to make everybody else proud by doing the best we can out here,” Ralston said.
Scotland underlined their tournament readiness with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday, building confidence ahead of their Group C opener against Haiti.
Ralston, who came off the bench in that match, says the unity within the camp stretches well beyond preparation routines or training sessions.
“But in terms of the backroom stuff – this is just a great group of lads who all work well together,” Ralston said, emphasising how natural the bond feels.
The Celtic defender acknowledged that Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson are ahead of him in Clarke’s right-back pecking order but insists his commitment to the squad remains total.
Drawing on his experience from Euro 2024, where he played every match in the group stage, Ralston says the squad mentality will carry Scotland through the tournament.
He said: “It’s a squad game. It’s going to be a tournament where we use the full squad and, to a man, we’re in it for each other.”
Scotland face a demanding Group C schedule that includes matches against Morocco and Brazil alongside their opener with Haiti, making squad depth a crucial factor.
Ralston added that this World Cup represents something far bigger than individual ambitions, calling it “an experience to savour for the rest of your career.”
He said: “Whether you start or not isn’t what it’s all about. It’s about giving everyone the support they need and getting the best result we can.”
On a personal level, Ralston revealed that his six-year-old daughter Mila will be travelling to America to watch him play, adding extra motivation to his campaign.
“She is only six but we all have our own motivations and she is definitely mine,” he said, adding that he hopes to share lasting memories with her from the tournament.
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