‘Standout’ Doak lights up Scotland gloom amid defeat in Croatia

There have been few Scottish players in the past decade who have received as much hype as winger Ben Doak.

So it was encouraging for fans of the national side to have the 18-year-old described as a “standout” by former Scotland defender Willie Miller in the defeat by Croatia on his first start and just second cap.

Playing on the right wing in Zagreb, the diminutive attacker carried the fight to Croatia with his ability to dribble forward at pace.

His driving run at Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and cross in the first half ended with Ryan Christie scoring, albeit with some help from a poor clearance.

Despite being the youngest player to start a competitive match for Scotland since Willie Johnston in 1965, he did not look overawed or cowed.

Doak touched the ball in Croatia’s box more than any other Scotland player and had more productive dribbles as well.

The former Celtic player, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool, was one of the bright points in another Scotland defeat, their fourth in a row.

“It’s the willingness to take players on, take pressure off your team, and drag your side up the pitch,” former Scotland forward James McFadden said on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound.

“When he gets into the final third, he can’t get it right every time, but he is a threat.

“We mentioned his age and bringing that freshness, you think it’s going to be raw because we’ve not seen a lot of him.

“But he’s making good decisions to hold his position and run in behind and not getting too excited and rushing things.”