John McGinn comes to Scotland’s rescue against ten-man Croatia

On a blustery, drizzly, cold night in Glasgow everything lightened at long last for Scotland. How they had waited for this. A win at long last, against one of Europe’s most respected forces and ­delivered with a performance with energy, heart, vitality and promise.

Being in Nations League A has taken Scotland out of their depth but they have just about kept their heads above the water. After three defeats by a one-goal margin against Poland, Portugal and Croatia they have now secured a draw with Portugal and now this ­stirring and significant win over Luka Modric et al. Those are two hugely creditable results by any measure.

Steve Clarke’s faith in his players was vindicated and on a night when he picked a team