Steve Clarke's side put in an impressive performance in Warsaw as Scotland defeated Poland 2-1.
Here's how the players rated...
Craig Gordon 8
Claimed everything that came his way from the wider areas. Produced a couple of decent first half saves, albeit ones you’d expect him to make – they weren’t anything to shout about. Could do nothing to stop Piatkowski’s outstanding strike.
Anthony Ralston 7
Survived a major let off after a slack touch allowed the hosts in, but the finish left them down as they missed the target from close-range under no pressure. Had a solid enough game, though.
John Souttar 9
For as threatening as the team were on the front foot, they looked open and exposed on occasions at the back. However, Souttar put his body on the line time and time again, timing his challenges to perfection to avert much of the impending danger. Threw himself in the way to block a goal-bound effort right after half time in what really was the last line of defence. Composed throughout. A sensational cross for the winner.
Grant Hanley 7
Hooked at half-time on Friday, the Norwich man’s involvement from the start against Poland surely raised more than one or two eyebrows when the team lines were announced. He made up for that though with a commanding showing at the back. Was surprisingly composed on the ball, much like his defensive partner.
Andy Robertson 8
What a way to mark his 80th cap for the country! The Liverpool defender is now joint third in the all-time list and is only 22 national team appearances off Kenny Dalglish’s record. He scored the winning goal with a bullet header in stoppage time. Enjoyed a much better night than Friday – he was everything you’d expect of him. His passing was generally spot on until the closing stages when his decision-making came into question.
Billy Gilmour 9
Performed to his usual consistently high standards. He kept things ticking over by always looking to receive the ball, creating different angles for his teammates, and relieving pressure in some situations. Zipped a great pass through the lines to Doak on the right in the lead-up to the first. Was so unlucky to see his wonderful long-range effort crash off the bar. A really classy performance.
Kenny McLean 7
Brilliantly broke up the park at the start of the second half as he slipped in McGinn, before Kiwior stepped in with some world-class defending. Cleverly used the ball when involved after the break. Was quiet first half aside from being booked.
Scott McTominay 7
There were a few occasions where he seemed to get in the road of Doak, which was frustrating. He was also guilty of being caught on his heels during the first half after a tremendous through-ball by the captain. He’d have been in had he been alert. Moments later he was denied by the keeper after flicking the ball over the defender’s head. Thundered a drilled effort off the post, which turned out to be a good save. Was dead on his feet before coming off with a knock.
Ben Doak 8
After much needless dubiety over whether the teenager would start in Warsaw, he did indeed start on the right wing for Scotland. Steve Clarke, what are you like? He lit up the game against Croatia on Friday night as he dominated Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol. It didn’t take the 19-year-old long to get motoring once again. Electric over a couple of yards, he took on his man before picking out McGinn with his cutback to the edge of the Polish box on 3 minutes. Continued to go at their left back and didn’t let up. Was surprised to see him go off when he did after another top showing.
John McGinn 9
He may not have been on colour for Scotland this year, but the talisman lived up to his long-standing tag by making it two goals in two games this international break. The Aston Villa captain gave the keeper no chance as he beautifully guided the ball into the far bottom corner on his weaker right foot. His array of passing was a joy to watch. Back to his best.
Lyndon Dykes 7
Struggling for game time at Birmingham City, it was little surprise to see the Aussie-born frontman start on the bench in the last game, with Tommy Conway preferred. It was also no shock to see the ex-QPR and Livingston man come into the starting line-up for this one. Did well to fashion a chance for himself with a lovely spin and shot. Watched on in agony as his deft, glancing header was somehow stopped by the keeper.
Subs:
Lawrence Shankland (for Dykes, 65’) 4
Had very little to work with.
Ryan Christie (for Doak, 65’) 4
Struggled to get into the game on the left wing. Booked.
Ryan Gauld (for McTominay, 75’) 3
Came on behind the striker in his preferred position. Showed a lovely turn to win a free kick which amounted to little.
Nicky Devlin (for Ralston, 75’) 3
Another appearance.
Stuart Armstrong (for Gilmour, 86’) 2
On for fresh legs.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here