Robertson, though, had a more professional reason for rubbering the great man — he was too busy concentrating on preparing for his Scotland debut.

The late call-up to the squad got just over half-an-hour as the South Americans ran out 1-0 winners thanks to an early Maxi Rodriguez goal.

And, so determined was he to make the right impression on his first appearance, he shut out all the hype surrounding Maradona’s presence.

“Even when I was warming up in the first half, I did not look over at him,” said Robertson.

“All I wanted to do was concentrate on what was happening on the pitch and see if I could learn anything — there were some great players out there and just seeing them close up was good.”

And, despite the result and the booking he picked up for a tackle on Fernando Gago, Robertson agreed with most observers that his first cap had been a good one.

“I did not get as much of the ball as I would have liked, but I just tried to be good out there, keep things simple and help the team. Even in half-an-hour, I think I learned a lot and it was good to be up against world-class players.”

After the final whistle, Robertson did not head for the away dressing-room seeking to get his hands on an Argentine shirt — he was more than happy to hang on to his dark blue top.

“I wasn’t giving that away for anything. This is my first international appearance at any level and I am keeping my shirt,” he added.

“Right back to age 12, I have never been involved in any of the Scotland squads and I look on this as reward for learning my trade in the First Division with Dundee and the work I’ve put in at United.

“After the game, the manager George Burley said he would keep watching my progress, so I know if I keep learning I have a chance of being involved again and that has to be the aim.”

Robertson’s display was monitored by United boss Craig Levein, who gave him the thumbs up.

“I thought Scott kept things simple which was the right thing to do, but he was also always looking to get on the ball and that will have impressed the management team,” said Craig.

“There is some stiff competition for the central midfield places, but he has done himself no harm and, if he keeps progressing, he can feature again.”

Also under Craig’s microscope as he channel hopped last night was striker Warren Feeney. He got 45 minutes of Northern Ireland’s home defeat at the hands of Hungary and, despite the loss, did well.

Lukasz Zaluska will have to wait a while longer for his first Polish cap — he was an unused sub in their win over the Irish Republic at Croke Park.