'Jota will be smiling over me' – Robertson 'in bits' after Scotland's World Cup qualification

Diogo Jota came to mind for Andy Robertson as the Scotland captain revelled in leading his country to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Scotland beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 on an extraordinary night at Hampden Park, where Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean scored in second-half stoppage time.

Scott McTominay's overhead kick set the tone for a thriller, with Rasmus Holjund equalising from the penalty spot before Lawrence Shankland restored Scotland's lead after Rasmus Kristensen saw red for the visitors.

Patrick Dorgu's equaliser seemed set to seal Denmark's qualification, yet Tierney put Scotland back ahead with a stunning strike in the 93rd minute, setting the stage for McLean to score from the halfway line and guarantee the hosts' place at next year's showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

And Robertson, who gave away the penalty from which Holjund cancelled out McTominay's opener, believes his late Liverpool team-mate Jota would have been thrilled to see the jubilant scenes.

"I've hid it well, but today I've been in bits. I know the age I'm at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup," he told BBC Scotland.

"I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much about going to the World Cup.

"I know he'll be smiling over me today. I'm so glad it's ended up this way."

Scotland have now won four of their last six games against Denmark in all competitions (D1 L1), as many as in their previous 10 meetings (W4 L6). 

Robertson, though, knows how close Scotland came to missing out and having to settle for a place in the play-offs.

"That just sums up this squad. Never say die. We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games," he said.

"We put the country through it, but I'm sure it's worth it. We're going to the World Cup.

"This group of boys, this group of staff – it's the best group I've been involved in.

"The manager's speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we've had. Qualifying for the Euros. He said, 'Let's make it another one'.

"We were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all our families, it'll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life."

Scotland hero Tierney said: "One of the best feelings ever. It's unbelievable. Everyone deserves it. This group, the staff."

It was a sentiment echoed by fellow goalscorer McLean.

"Self-explanatory. The whole place deserves it, it's been a long time," he said. 

"We knew we had the ability to do it. It's amazing. We've spoken about it, we knew it was possible, but to go and achieve it, it's incredible."

Scotland will discover their World Cup group when the draw takes place on December 5.