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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Craig Swan

Scotland player ratings as Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna shine against Armenia to kickstart Nations League push

Scotland bounced back from a heartbreaking end to their World Cup surge with a win over Armenia.

Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna netted their first international goals in a dominant display at Hampden.

It could have been more with both Stuart Armstrong and John McGinn hitting the woodwork, but it's a positive start to the Nations League campaign.

Steve Clarke will be delighted with the reaction from his players after their Ukraine disappointment.

It's now on to Ireland as the Scotland boss looks to build momentum as he looks to reach Euro 2024.

Here is how the players rated at the national stadium.

CRAIG GORDON: Spectator in the opening period. Got down smartly to save a shot from Bichakhchyan after interval and a second late stop near the finish. 7

ANTHONY RALSTON: Right wing back constantly forged into attacking areas. Set Armstrong up to hit a post and headed home his cross for a first Scotland goal. 8

JOHN SOUTTAR: Comfortable stepping out in possession and helped keep the tempo of the play moving. Dealt impressively with rare threat and bailed-out Hendry with calm piece of one-on-one defending. 8

JACK HENDRY: Header straight at keeper having sauntered out from the heart of the backline. Mostly assured, but got away with one big slip in the second period. 7

SCOTT McKENNA: Nottingham Forest ace kept it simple on his side and powerful in the box to head the second. Denied a second by VAR and did his jobs solidly and well. 8

ANDY ROBERTSON: Freedom of Hampden to gallop down the left and early strike saved. Few issues defensively and kept pushing down his side and looking to provide ammunition. 7

CALLUM McGREGOR: Floated around the engine room taking possession and moving it with intelligence and speed. Couple of shots deflected off target as he hunted a goal. 8

JOHN McGINN: Bundles of ball. Devilish dead-ball delivery for McKenna’s headed goal. Kept demanding it and a thundering strike tipped onto the bar. No luck with two more efforts. 8

STUART ARMSTRONG : Involved from the outset. Hit post after a trademark well-timed run into the box and terrific cross for Ralston goal. At the heart of plenty. 8

RYAN CHRISTIE: Ducked and dived smoothly into pockets of space to try and make things happen. Couldn’t get over a first-half volley and missed a great headed chance. 7

CHE ADAMS: Focal point as sole striker and lovely knockdown to create a Christie opportunity. Darted into channels to cause problems. Couldn’t get shot away at late chance. 7

Substitutes

AARON HICKEY : Deployed on the left side for the last 15 minutes to give Robertson a rest. 3

SCOTT McTOMINAY: Into the action for the final stages in place of Armstrong. Shot deflected wide. 3

NATHAN PATTERSON : Everton defender a straight swap for Ralston and no issues. 3

ROSS STEWART: Sunderland striker handed a first cap in the last five minutes. 1

JACOB BROWN : Took over from Adams in the hitman role. 1

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