Liverpool should listen to Andy Robertson after Ben Doak makes Scotland debut

Ben Doak made his international debut on Thursday night after coming off the bench for Scotland in a 3-2 defeat to Poland, and fans are already excited about what the young winger will bring to the national roster.

Doak , 18, has been with Liverpool since 2022 after the Reds signed him from Celtic in a deal worth $790,000. The young Scotsman has since made 10 appearances for Liverpool, become the youngest Scottish player to play in the Premier League , and was picked to represent his nation at Euro 2024, although an injury forced him to withdraw.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has taken Doak under his wing at the club and also on international duty as Scotland captain but feels protective over the 18-year-old due to the hype surrounding him. Doak joined Championship club Middlesbrough just before the transfer deadline on a season-long loan, and Liverpool will hope he progresses this season.

Doak has already done enough to impress Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, but Robertson has called for everyone to leave him alone and "be careful" in an attempt to protect his career development. Robertson doesn't feel that Doak needs the added pressure, and believes if left alone will far exceed expectations.

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"I ain't gonna put any pressure on the wee man, I love Doaky. I've got a lot of time for him," Robertson said on international duty with Scotland. "I can see the quality he's got at Liverpool. He's obviously gone out on loan now to Middlesbrough which will give him so much good experience.

"Michael Carrick from what I can see is a fantastic manager that will help him. He's an exciting player, that's what he is. He's always been that from a young age. His pace, and his power, but there are also things he needs to work on and me and him have spoken about it. He knows that as well.

"He's a hungry individual, he's very determined to do the best for himself and the team and that's important. He's exciting, but we have to be careful. He's a young player, he needs to gain experience, he needs to work on things, but the quality he does have is very good and I think he will have a fantastic career at whatever level that may be.

"I also think he will have a good international career but it's important we are patient with him, it's important that we see him grow, and let him grow. Sometimes we get on top of young players far too quickly and we need to let them grow, be excited, and not get too carried away. I think he'll be an amazing player for Scotland."

Doak was one of two deadline-day signings made by Middlesbrough, who also completed a deal for Ipswich defender George Edmundson. Middlesbrough fans are already aware of Edmundson due to playing against Ipswich last season, but head coach Carrick offered supporters his opinion of Doak.

"Ben is a really sharp, quick, and aggressive attacking winger or wide man who can cause a lot of problems for defenses," Carrick said. "We’re really excited to have him and really excited to see him. I’m sure the supporters will enjoy watching him."