Jurgen Klopp believes Andy Robertson would be the “smart choice” to become the next Scotland captain following the international retirement of Celtic’s Scott Brown.

Robertson is only 23, but the Liverpool manager believes he has seen enough to suggest he is ready to assume the responsibility as Alex McLeish considers who should be the on-field leader for a new era having replaced Gordon Strachan.

Scotland will face Costa Rica and Hungary in friendlies this month, by which time McLeish will be expected to know who will get the armband. He has a dearth of options when considering those currently playing at the highest level of the game.

Robertson is young but already one of the most experienced members of the Scotland squad. The fact he has excelled this season at the top of the Premier League and Champions League and – injury permitting – will be a fixture of the international team for years should work in his favour.

Asked if Robertson was ready for such a promotion, Klopp was emphatic: “One hundred per cent yes,” he said. “Robbo would for sure be the future. If you want somebody smart he’s a really good option.