Scotland player ratings in narrow Nations League defeat to Croatia

Anthony Ralston 6

Fairly solid, if unspectacular, performance from the Celtic right-back. Preferred to Nicky Devlin despite his limited minutes at club level and largely proved his worth against a quality outfit. Deliveries into the box going forward were poor but that was endemic of the Scotland squad as a whole. Lost Sosa in the build-up to Croatia’s second.

John Souttar 6

Drafted back in from the start amid a raft of injury concerns in defence and made a case for his inclusion going forward. A crucial block from Kramaric after 23 minutes was a sign of things to come as he threw his body on the line throughout – so close to blockgin Croatia opener but ball squeezed through his legs. Decent distribution of the ball out of defence when it was on.

Grant Hanley 6

Booked after just eight minutes for a clumsy challenge on Igor Matanovic after making a mess of a simple header. Rallied well to manage the Croatia frontline and reduce them to long-range efforts for large spells. Will be disappointed by Kramaric’s winner as he couldn’t get out to it and was unable to block on the line.

Andy Robertson 7

Within seconds he left Perisic in his wake to burst forward and deliver an inviting cross into the box but with no Scotland player there to finish. Perhaps somewhat limited in a back-four system but Robertson consistently made things happen down the left – just missing that final killer touch.

Ryan Christie 7

Largely quiet in the opening stages other than a couple of decent crosses into the area. However, took his chance when it came as he pounced in the box to swivel and strike into the back of the net for Scotland’s opener. Missed a gilt-edged chance to level with ten minutes left as he badly miscued and sent wide of the post.

Kenny McLean 7

Faced the gargantuan task of replacing the dynamism of John McGinn in the Scotland midfield. Stood up to the task well as he offered frantic pressing and quality to boot when he landed on the ball. A tireless performance as he was on the field for all 94-plus minutes.

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Scott McTominay 6

Saw his role tweaked from a midfield position to be asked to go between making a front two with Lyndon Dykes and dropping into a 10. Scotland are at their best when McTominay is at the heart of everything – too often he was lost in this adapted role. By no means a poor outing but less influential in Zagreb than throughout the Euro campaign. 

Billy Gilmour 7

A player who continues to evolve for Scotland with another accomplished performance in midfield. Did the ugly side of things when it was required and was as calm and composed on the ball as ever as he guided Scotland forward with clever interchange in the midfield. 

Ben Doak 7

Thrown in for his first start and lived up to the hype. Brave on the ball and totally committed to carry out his defensive duties off it. Was a real handful for the Croatia defence as he surged forward at every opportunity while also aware of the moments when best to turn back and keep possession. HIs only criticism would be his final ball being slightly off and too easy for the defence. 

Lyndon Dykes 6

The Australian-born forward was effective in his hold up and linking play from his isolated role. Was left to his own devices with a power of running for periods despite McTominay’s advanced role. Had no real sight of goal – through no fault of his own – as crosses hit the first man too often.

Ryan Gauld (for Doak, 77) 3

Played through Adams with a brilliant incisive pass for close shave then a genius flick created defensive mix-up for disallowed goal in stoppage time. Proved he deserves minutes.

Che Adams (for Dykes, 77) 3

So close to a leveller with improvised effort just wide before being cruelly denied a key role in equaliser as he strayed inches offside.