Scotland fans react to wonderkid Ben Doak’s performance vs Croatia

BEN DOAK was handed his first international start against Croatia – and set about showing Scotland fans what he can bring to the table.

The Liverpool wonderkid lined up on the right-hand side of a front three featuring him, Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie for the Nations League clash in Zagreb.

4

Doak, 18, was involved in Scotland‘s only goal on the night, providing the cross that led to Christie’s opener in the 32nd minute.

In the early exchanges he was limited to trying to latch onto through balls in behind but gradually his team mates started to find his feet more regularly.

The Celtic academy product was a ball of energy in the first half, teasing Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol whenever he had the chance to dribble at his opponent.

He produced several moments of excitement with his directness and pace but his most telling contribution came just after the half hour mark to put Steve Clarke‘s men into the lad.

Doak twisted and turned his way into the box from the right wing before swinging in a slightly under-hit cross.

The ball was sliced by Luka Sučić into the path of Christie who steered it towards goal, with the final touch coming off Duje Ćaleta-Car before hitting the net.

4

Scotland failed to build on that however and were pegged back four minutes later as Igor Matanovic equalised.

Andrej Kramaric then nodded the home side in front in the 70th minute and soon after that, Doak’s night was over.

He was subbed off on 77 minutes for Ryan Gauld after struggling to make as much of an impact in the second half, and the scoreline finished 2-1 to the Croats.

But the Tartan Army were by and large still impressed by what they saw from the Scotland prodigy.

One fan remarked at half-time: “Ben Doak is class, gives us something different by running at defenders. Never lose that confidence to take folk on wee man!”

Another said: “Ben Doak is really damn good. One of the bright sparks of this first half.”

A third said: “Think midfield and attack have looked really good. Nice balance and Doak is clearly going to offer something we’ve been missing. His final ball could be better but that will improve.”

Others took particular notice of Doak’s play up against £80m man Gvardiol.

“Ben Doak has destroyed Gvardiol first half,” said one fan.

“Good first half from Scotland. Love seeing Ben Doak running at Gvardiol,” commented another.

Even Croatia fans lauded Doak’s performance come full-time.

One said: “Ben Doak, 18-year-old boy puts to shame the stopper worth 100million, the so-called Joško Gvardiol.”

4

Another supporter lamented the fact Doak hadn’t started before now.

They said: “How wonderful has Ben Doak been though?? They finally let him start and it’s made such a difference.”

Our New YouTube Channel

Subscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.

We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.

Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…

MONDAY

Go Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.

WEDNESDAY

Robert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.

FRIDAY

Go Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.

Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page