Crocked Snodgrass has volunteered to be Mr Motivator

Robert Snodgrass might not be able to influence Scotland’s

European Championship qualifying campaign on the pitch right now.

But that won’t stop him from playing his part in the nation’s bid to end an 18-year wait to reach a major tournament.

The winger has been ruled out of action for the rest of the year after dislocating his kneecap just weeks after sealing a £6-million move to Hull City in the summer.

Gordon Strachan should have been cursing the loss of one of his most important players.

But Snodgrass’ misfortune has produced an unforeseen aspect, as he has taken on the role of Scotland’s Mr Motivator.

“I was up in Glasgow just before the team flew out to Dortmund, and around 10 of us went out for dinner,” revealed Snodgrass.

“I just asked them to make sure we’re firmly in contention for when I get back to full fitness.

“Then I was texting the boys before we played Germany, wishing them all the best and urging them to make sure they do the business.

“Obviously I’m like everyone else in the squad. I’m desperate to help my country reach a major competition.

“Unfortunately I’m unable to do that by helping the team on the pitch. I’m now a supporter until I get back playing again.

“But the lads can expect to hear from me before matches. I’ll keep on their case to make sure the team pick up results!”

Snodgrass’ injury couldn’t have come at a worst time after he had just sealed a big-money move back to the English Premier League.

Having turned on the style for Norwich City the two years

previously and outstanding, goalscoring displays for Scotland his transfer to Hull City was expected to be the springboard for Snodgrass to take his game to the next level.

If his determination and attitude is anything to go by, that will still be the case. But there will be at least a six-month delay in that happening.

Having managed to get his head around the fact he’ll be out of

action for a lengthy period, however, the Glasgow-born wide man is now in a more positive frame of mind.

“I actually vowed not to watch any football until I was back playing again,” said Snodgrass. “That was my initial reaction because I thought it would be too painful.

“But I’ve spent all my life playing and watching football, so it’s been impossible to stop myself from switching on the TV and watching matches.

“I was up in Glasgow last weekend and watched Celtic’s match with Motherwell. That was the first game I’d taken in since the injury.

“I’ve not been to a Hull City game yet, but I’ll be going soon. It’s not really been possible

because I’ve had a leg brace on, but I’ll now be going along to cheer on my team-mates.

“As for Scotland, well, I watched the game against Germany on TV and the lads were incredibly unlucky not to take something from the game.

“That’s when I’ve found it tough, if I’m being honest.

“Watching a game when I want to be out there doing my bit, wondering if there was anything I could do to help the team by creating a chance or maybe scoring a goal.”

What has also helped boost the 27-year-old’s spirits is the brave performance Gordon Strachan’s side produced in Dortmund, which saw them unfortunate to go down 2-1 to the World champions.

Although Robert’s natural reaction was to wish he was out on the pitch playing his part in such a high-profile match rather than watching it from his living room, he was delighted and not surprised by the way his countrymen performed.

“The belief is there,” he continued. “No-one would have given us any chance of getting a result away to Germany.

“But anyone who watched that game won’t be able to deny we gave the world champions a fright on the night.

“When we managed to get back on level terms, we looked the most likely out of the two teams to go on and score a second goal.

“Unfortunately, that didn’t transpire. Germany won the game, but I think we need to take confidence from the overall performance.

“We performed really well against the country that had just returned from lifting the World Cup in Brazil.

“Now we’ve got to make sure we go one better in the forthcoming matches by getting points on the board.”

For now, Snodgrass knows he has to play the long game.

Patience is the watchword. But there is a steely determination to return better than ever.

He explained: “It was a massive blow to pick up the injury, especially after just joining a new club and looking forward to trying to take my game to the next level.

“I’ve been fairly fortunate when it comes to injuries during my career and managed to play a lot of games. So this is all new to me.

“I’ve had the surgery now, and also my five-week check-up with the surgeon.

“I’ll be looking to get in the pool shortly to start my rehabilitation.

“But there will be no rush. You have to be careful. I’ve accepted it will be a while before I’m back playing again.

“You need to win the mental battle as much as anything. But I’m a positive person and I’m also a very determined person.

“I’ve had to work extremely hard to get to where I am, and I know I’ll need to work exceptionally hard to get back to full fitness and into the Hull City team and Gordon Strachan’s plans.”