Andy Robertson says he'll "always be thankful" to Jackie McNamara

By Hamish Carton

February 20, 2020

Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has sent a terrific battling message to former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara following his recent health scare.

McNamara, who was a former team-mate of Hoops boss Neil Lennon, collapsed near his home in York almost two weeks ago.

The Scotland international is said to be in a “critical but stable” condition at Hull Royal Infirmary, as per the BBC.

Former Celtic favourite Jackie McNamara (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

And despite the severity of the current situation, Robertson is in no doubt that his former boss will pull through.

“The news shook everyone, I think,” he told the BBC.

“He is a young guy, healthy, didn’t see signs of anything coming.

I’ve spoken to his family, I wish them all the best and I wish him all the best.

“Hopefully he can recover. He’s a good man and it’s not nice to see this happening.

Robertson sent a lovely message to McNamara (Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“I know he’s a fighter and he’ll fight this like he fought in matches and fought as a manager. He’ll win this fight.

“Whatever way my career goes, I’ll always be thankful to him. I have a lot of time for him and that’s why it was tough to hear the news.”

Robertson and McNamara are similar in many ways

The pair share a bond through Celtic as well as other things. Despite the 21 year age gap, they have both been part of the setup at Celtic – although only in the academy in Robertson’s case.

They were/are both full-backs and have also turned out for Scotland – further strengthening the similarities between the two.

McNamara managed Dundee United as well (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

It is encouraging to hear that McNamara is in a stable place.

He still has a long road ahead of him in terms of recovery, but things could have been a whole lot worse.

The thoughts of every Celtic fan is sure to remain with him and his family for the next period.