Steve Clarke rammed Franco Foda’s ‘long balls’ jibes back down the gobby Austria manager’s throat as he savoured a sweet Scotland victory in Vienna.
Under-fire Foda claimed pre-match that he was certain his side would win and described Clarke’s men as long ball merchants.
But Clarke insists his team showed they can play a bit as they secured a massive three points in their World Cup qualifying group thanks to a first half Lyndon Dykes penalty.
Clarke also took aim at critics of his team as he insisted he had huge belief in them - even if plenty in the country don’t.
The delighted boss told Sky Sports: "Some people want to label us long ball, but we got it done. We passed the ball and we are not a long ball team; we can do both.
"If we have to go long we can, but we can play. If we have to get it down and play we can pass it as well.
"We create chances and could maybe have had a couple more, and of course when you are away from home we showed great character to defend our box well."
The players were met with criticism after sluggish Wold Cup qualifier performances against Denmark and Moldova.
After moving into the playoff spot, the Hampden gaffer was in a defiant mood as he called out those who don't back the national side
When asked about showing what the team can do following the defeat to Denmark and narrow win over Moldova, Clarke said: "Listen, some people in the country don't really believe in this group of players, but I do. I love my players.
"I trust them everywhere we go. We know we are a good team, we know we are a good group, and we are trying to grow together.
"We are are looking forward to a full house at Hampden and getting the full Tartan Army behind us.
"Tonight was a cup final, and we got three points. Israel is another game where we want three points."
When asked if six points was the bare minimum from the trio of games, Clarke quipped: "No, you can't put a points target on it. I told you that.
"I've said that all along. We got six, and I think that is a decent return from the week. We went to Denmark with injury disruption, Covid disruption. We went two goals in and dug in, and found a way to get back into the game which I thought was great character from the players.
"I couldn't say too much after the game. Israel went there and got beat (by) five. We are a good team, I repeat, we have a great squad of players who want to do well for the country."
