Scotland player ratings after crucial Nations League win over Croatia

Here’s how the team rated…

Craig Gordon 7

Produced a vital save with his right foot to stop a near-post effort from Andrej Kramaric creeping in as the visitors looked to capitalise on a sluggish start from Scotland. Had to be alert on 34 minutes to deny Luka Sucic’s powerful half-volley before smothering the resultant danger. Had very little to do after the red card. Another clean sheet for the veteran.

Anthony Ralston 7

Another Scotland start for the right-back, who has played a grand total of 74 minutes for Celtic since the last international break. He started both of the Scotland matches in October against Croatia and Portugal and didn’t let the nation down. Enjoyed another decent game, although was slightly fortuitous that Croatia didn’t score from his failed interception of a Modric pass.

John Souttar 8

The centre-back was commanding throughout and was one of the better performers. Souttar’s form this season has been superb and ropey all in the same breath. The best example of this is probably best portrayed in the way he pocketed Cristiano Ronaldo the last time out at Hampden, yet a matter of five days later was left floundering by Kilmarnock’s Marley Watkins as Rangers lost 1-0 at Rugby Park. Here, he started well in what was a testing time for the defence. He saw the ball out on a couple of occasions, while also clearing his lines to avert impending danger. Was fouled by Petar Sucic which led to Croatia’s red card.

Grant Hanley 6

Showed up fine until playing a nothing pass into midfield, which was easily intercepted by Luka Modric, which instantly put the backline under pressure. Was substituted at half-time.

Andy Robertson 6

Burst up the left to latch on to a fantastic through-ball by Gilmour, but his cross was blocked. The skipper did so well to read a poorly executed short corner by the Croats. He broke up the park at pace in a dangerous counter attack for the Scots, but it broke down due to Robertson’s overhit pass when you’d expect better from a player of his quality. It wasn’t the only pass he didn’t measure rightly on a quiet night.

Billy Gilmour 7

Despite loud jeers from the crowd for failing to award a foul in the midfielder’s favour, the referee got it spot on after only five minutes as the visitors picked his pocket after a needless run down a crowded alley in the middle of the park. This directly led to a golden chance for Croatia which was blazed high over the bar. Was back to showing his class on the ball a matter of moments later with a lovely, pinpoint switch to Doak on the right wing. Went on to play a couple of inch-perfect defence-splitting passes before firing high over the bar when slipping the ball wide to Doak was clearly the better option. Was wayward with a later effort too.

Kenny McLean 6

The 32-year-old made it five consecutive starts for the national team. He didn’t exactly pick up from where he left off – bossing it versus Portugal – as he was guilty of a lackadaisical pass straight into the path of Kramaric, who was in a very menacing position. Thankfully it didn’t amount to much. On a more positive note, his next major involvement in the game was to produce a nonchalant drop of the shoulder in the right back area, before breaking up the pitch after a tidy one-two with Doak. The chance amounted to little, but it was a lovely passage of play.

Scott McTominay 7

Had Scotland’s first chance of the night as he met Doak’s cut back on the edge of the box, with his shot saved. Headed over at an early second-half corner as the hosts set out their stall. Quietly went about his business in midfield, always offering to take the ball.

Ryan Christie 6

Took a sore one to the back of his head after Duje Caleta-Car thundered through the back of him with his elbow leading. Didn’t do much else of note.

Ben Doak 8

This young man is going to be some player. What better way to atone for a rather meek start where Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol got the better of him? Nick around him with an audacious backheel flick and run off him. That certainly got the sleepy crowd on their feet. Showed his outstanding technical ability a short while later as he turned Gvardiol again. Had to do better with his failed cross for Conway on 53 minutes. A poor final ball. He didn’t stop trying though, as he continued to pester on the right wing, getting to the byline and crossing the ball, while also working hard for the team in tracking back. He beat his man to get the cross in which caused the goal.

Tommy Conway 7

A surprise move by Steve Clarke to put the 22-year-old in for his first Scotland start. That said, neither Lyndon Dykes nor Lawrence Shankland were deserving of a spot in the first XI based on their club form – or rather, distinct lack of it. Put himself about while not having much to work with. Didn’t look out of place

Subs:

Scott McKenna (for Hanley, 46’) 6

Defence looked much more natural with a left-footer on that side of the backline.

Lyndon Dykes (for Conway, 65’) 4

Gave plenty of effort.

Ryan Gauld (for Christie, 65’) 5

Stopped a dangerous counter-attack and darted about.

John McGinn (for McLean, 65’) 8

The talisman is back. Popped up with the goal when the side needed him most. He’s been off-form in a Scotland shirt this year, but what an important moment.

Stuart Armstrong (for Doak, 91’) 2

Fresh legs.