Scotland 0-0 Portugal: What Clarke said

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: “The point was important for us after the work the group put in to get off the mark.

“Defensively sound. The shape of the team was good. We denied a lot of space in behind. Good concentration in the box, determined defending at times, some really good blocks, which you need against sides like Portugal. Everyone contributed to earn the point.

“Everyone keeps talking about confidence, but they know they can play well. We maybe didn’t play as well as we could on the ball, which could be down to fatigue. But I don’t think they lack confidence. Tonight’s point will give us more confidence.

“Fantastic. First cap for Nicky. A moment to remember. He got us a point with that block. I had no doubt putting Nicky into the game. He’s trained well and fitted right into the group. I knew when Tony Ralston was ready to come off that Nicky would be fine – and he was.

“Ben Doak was good for such a young man. To be asked to go again. It was a decision I weighed up in my mind, to maybe keep him for 30 minutes at the end. He did so well on Saturday that I thought it was better to start him.

“The players dug in and ground out a really good point for us. The fans can be nervous when the opposition have so much possession. But when they did create a big chance, Craig Gordon was there to save it. It’s the first time in a long time I have celebrated a save.”