Andy Robertson admits international duty with Scotland has "kept me going at times this season", amid a tough campaign with Liverpool.

The Reds' Premier League title defence has not gone to plan, and they currently sit fifth in the table, fighting for a place in next season's Champions League.

It has also been a difficult individual season for Robertson, who has slipped down the pecking order after Liverpool brought in Milos Kerkez at the start of the campaign.

As such, the 32-year-old has made just 30 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, with 15 of those from the start, though he has only played nine full matches.

But Scotland qualified for the World Cup back in November and will be making their first appearance at the finals since 1998.

If Robertson leads the team out for their pre-tournament friendly against Japan on Saturday, he will become Scotland's joint-second most-capped player on 91, level with Jim Leighton, leaving him just 11 behind record holder Kenny Dalglish.

"It's kept me going at times this season, Scotland duty, you know, I can safely say that," said Robertson, whose Liverpool deal runs out at the end of the season.

"Especially at the start of the season when you've got it every three, four weeks. September, October, November; it was important for me, obviously, playing in such big games.

"It gave you something to focus on, it gave you something to be a part of.

"I love coming away with the country, but, you know, when you've been playing lots of games at club level, sometimes your mind can wander and things like that.

"I know there's a chance to go and match Jim Leighton, which is something I could only have ever dreamed of.

"There was a period when I equalled Darren Fletcher, then there's been a bit of a long slog to try and catch Jim."

Scotland have won eight of their last 12 matches (D1 L3), having only won one of their previous 16 beforehand (D5 L10).

They won their last friendly 4-0 against Liechtenstein but have not won consecutive friendly games since a run of four straight victories between March 2015 and March 2016.

In fact, Scotland are winless in 10 friendlies on home soil (D3 L7) since a 1-0 win over Denmark in March 2016.