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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gavin Berry

Scotland player ratings as Kenny McLean shines in Belgium defeat

It wasn't a night to remember for Scotland as they were heavily beaten in Brussels.

From start to finish it was a back to the walls performance and trying to stop the brilliant Belgium attacking threats for Steve Clarke's men.

The midfield did their job when they could with Kenny McLean in particular shining but they still struggled to stop the trio of Axel Witsel, Kevin de Bruyne and Youri Tielemans.

It wasn't such a good night for Stuart Armstrong who limped off in the first half while Oliver Burke struggled up front.

But who was the star man? Here's how the Scotland players rated.

(Getty)

David Marshall: No chance with first goal and parried shot into Romelu Lukaku’s path for second but goalkeeper pulled off some terrific saves on a busy night between the sticks. 7

Stephen O’Donnell: It doesn’t get any tougher than this but the full back did as well as could be expected when up against some of the world’s best talent. 6

Charlie Mulgrew: Skipper for the night in the absence of Andy Robertson and it was a real tough task up against Belgium’s superstar strikers but he brings a calming influence to the defence and crucial block at death. 6

Scott McKenna: Lost out in the aerial battle with Romelu Lukaku as the striker headed home side into lead but so close to a goal with just a five minutes left when he latched onto through ball but shot saved. 6

Greg Taylor : Pitched right in at the deep end for a daunting debut but showed great character as he wasn’t fazed by the huge challenge and a big plus for Steve Clarke. 7

Kenny McLean: Lovely ball over the top of the defence from the midfielder to send Oliver Burke clear and the Norwich City man produced another impressive display and is now one of Scotland’s main players now. 8

(SNS)

Scott McTominay: Did well to get a challenge in on Thorgan Hazard but failed to follow up the ball as he assumed it was going out of for a corner and Eden Hazard rescued it before crossing for Belgian opener. Booked. 6

Johnny Russell: Played a poor ball that put Greg Taylor and led to Belgian chance but thankfully not punished. Moved in from the right to a more central role when Stuart Armstrong limped off. Subbed. 6

Callum McGregor: Celtic man was playing in his 69th game of a competitive season that started 11 months ago and it put in a good shift on a difficult night. 6

Stuart Armstrong: Southampton man back in the starting line-up and set up Oliver Burke for early opportunity but forced off injured after just half an hour. 3

Oliver Burke: Subersub rewarded with a start after his winner against Cyprus and had a sight of goal inside first 10 minutes but pulled his shot wide when he should have hit the target. 6

Substitutes

Ryan Fraser: given early shout to replace injured Stuart Armstrong and the Arsenal target saw a late effort well saved and added a real threat to Scotland. 6

James Forrest: Was on with 25 minutes left and the Celtic star had a chance from rebound after Scott McKenna effort saved but couldn't get shot away. 3

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