ANDY Robertson last night admitted that John Fleck’s positive Covid-19 test has been a timely reminder to members of the Scotland squad to observe strict coronavirus guidelines in the build-up to the Euro 2020 finals.

Robertson was disappointed when he learned yesterday that Fleck would have to self-isolate for five days and could not to play in the friendly against the Netherlands in Portugal tonight.  

The Sheffield United midfielder had to remain behind in Spain, where Steve Clarke’s men had been on a training camp since last Thursday, when his compatriots flew to Faro yesterday.

Robertson, who is expected to lead the national side out in the Estadio Algarve this evening, was relieved that no more of his team mates were forced into quarantine

However, the Liverpool left back admitted the development has heightened vigilance among the players ahead of their opening Group D match against the Czech Republic at Hampden on June 14. “If you ever need any reminder that this virus is still here, it's that,” he said.

“Obviously, we're disappointed for Flecky being positive and having to stay in his room. But I suppose the lucky thing is that the doctors and the performance guys have followed every protocol.

“There are no close contacts and no other positive results from the three rounds of testing we've done since then. In a bad situation we can take some positives. We'll take this one.”

Robertson added: “Flecky will be ready when he gives a negative test and luckily it's happened soon enough that he won't miss the Euros.

“It just means we'll need to be even more careful the closer we get. The boys are already switched on to it and we just need to make sure we get no other positive tests.

“It's something that's always in the back of your mind because as a young fit healthy player – and Flecky as far as I'm aware isn't showing any symptoms – it's tough to say you're staying in your room for five days when he probably feels quite healthy.

“But that is this virus unfortunately. It doesn't affect some people, but others it does and we've seen the death toll and the number of people who have been infected.

“It's so important we take it seriously. We'll have to heighten that caution even more the closer we get because we don't want anyone missing out for something that can hopefully be avoided.

“The three rounds of testing have been a confidence booster in that there's be no other positives, but we can't take that for granted.”