Scotland triumphed over Greece in the first game of their Nations League play-off double header on Thursday night. Following this evening's narrow 1-0 victory in Greece, a thrilling second leg awaits at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Here's how the players rated...
Craig Gordon - 7/10
Didn't have a huge amount to do in the game in all honesty. Kept a clean sheet and made some vital punches as the Greeks piled on the pressure early in the second half.
Grant Hanley - 7/10
A solid game for the 33-year-old who put in some crucial blocks with Scotland under the cosh in the second half. Particularly impressive given his lack of minutes at club level since joining Birmingham City in January. Won his aerial duels and survived a late penalty scare after tripping a Greek defender, with the referee's initial decision to award the spot kick being reversed by VAR. A landmark 60th international appearance for the defender tonight.
John Souttar - 8/10
An excellent performance from the centre-back this evening. Stepped up with some solid blocks from close range in what was a frantic second half. Won his battles and withstood the relentless Greek pressure well alongside his defensive partner.
Andy Robertson - 7/10
Got up and down the pitch well and had a decent game overall, but put in a couple of poor deliveries from corners early on. The captain's start tonight puts him third in all-time Scotland Men’s appearances as he chases down Kenny Dalglish's record.
Anthony Ralston - 8/10
Put in a very good shift at the back. He was alert to the opposition threats, put in some crucial blocks and got forward well in the first half. Won his individual battles and put in the most duels (8) of any player on the pitch.
Scott McTominay - 8/10
Stepped up to the big occasion once again. Cool as you like from the spot to give Clarke's men the lead after winning the penalty himself. Sent the keeper the wrong way to bag his 12th international goal. A few heavy touches but got Scotland over the line as he so often does. Fantastic.
Billy Gilmour - 7/10
Slick link-up play with McGinn and McTominay and looked composed on the ball with 89% pass accuracy.
Kenny McLean - 6/10
Covered fairly well but put in a few slack passes. Struggled in the second half and came off with 15 minutes to go.
John McGinn - 7/10
Not his best game in a Scotland shirt for the Aston Villa captain, although not his worst either. Helped Scotland control the midfield in the first half but kept getting dragged deeper than he would have liked. Fired a powerful long-range effort just over the bar.
Lewis Ferguson - 7/10
The Bologna skipper did well after coming back into the line-up after 12 months out. Played an important role in Scotland's strong first-half midfield display and made some good runs forward. Booked.
Che Adams - 7/10
Worked his socks off and probably deserved a goal for his efforts. Rushed a decent chance in the first half after Greece gave the ball away in a dangerous area and could have taken another touch. Some great hold up play and his distribution was excellent, but he struggled in the second half and came off to give Hirst his debut.
Subs:
Kieran Tierney (for Kenny McLean, 76) - 6/10
Brilliant to see Tierney back in a Scotland jersey for the first time since his hamstring injury at the Euros last summer.
George Hirst (for Che Adams, 76') - 6/10
An international debut for the Ipswich Town forward.
Ryan Porteous (for Anthony Ralston 89') - 6/10
His first appearance since being sent off in the opening game of Euro 2024 against Germany. Gave away a dangerous free kick right at the end.
Max Johnston (for Billy Gilmour 94') - 6/10
The Strum Graz defender came on for Gilmour late on to earn his first senior cap.
