SCOTLAND couldn’t get the win they wanted to finish off their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in style.
But there was still plenty – good and bad – for manager Steve Clarke to chew over after the 3-3 draw with Norway at Hampden.
It was a bit of a mixed bag from Scotland against Norway[/caption]
With several regulars missing through injury, it was another opportunity for some of the fringe players to stake their claim for a seat on the plane to Germany next summer.
Some improved their cause, while others maybe took a step backwards.
This is how they rated:
Zander Clark – 5
Hearts keeper kept his place ahead of Liam Kelly.
Not given much of a chance at Norway’s first, left shaking his head as second squirmed from grasp. Great save late on but flapped at third.
Nathan Patterson – 7
Everton right-back was turned at Donnum goal but denied him a second with an unbelievable block on the stroke of half-time. Got up and down flank.
Jack Hendry – 5
Back in the side in the middle of back four alongside Scott McKenna but was outmuscled far too easily at cross that led to Norway opener. Lacked sharpness at times too.
Scott McKenna – 6
Nottingham Forest stopper brought the ball out from the back, showed good pace and passing too. Wasn’t his worst night in a Scotland shirt but has played better too.
Greg Taylor – 5
Looked like Norway targeted him and all three goals came down his side. Out of position at first and second then failed attempt to stop ball being crossed at number three.
Callum McGregor – 8
Celtic skipper was quickly into his stride with some purposeful passing in another energy-sapping display. Was unlucky when cross deflected off him for Norway’s second.
Kenny McLean – 7
Scorer of the late winner in Oslo won 36th cap and the Norwich man played an important role in Scotland’s second as flick on was deflected in by Leo Ostigard.
Scott McTominay – 6
Scored seven goals in seven games before this game but the talisman from Manchester United didn’t have any chances to make it eight from eight on a quieter night for Scotland. Captain at the end.
John McGinn – 8
Skipper kept cool from spot to net 18th goal on 62nd cap after run won key free-kick. Not the last time he had Kristoffer Ajer chasing shadows. Perfect pass for Armstrong goal. Hobbled off.
Stuart Armstrong – 8
Started on right of three behind Brown but came into the game more after switching to left. Corner led to second goal then great finish saw him net No3.
Jacob Brown – 5
First start ahead of Lawrence Shankland up front. Played 94 minutes across seven caps previously. Worked hard in 70 he got last night but little to feed off and missed great chance.
SUBS:
Ryan Christie (3) Bournemouth man brought usual energy and close control to the game.
Lyndon Dykes (2) didn’t see a chance at goal in 20 minutes he was on for.
Lewis Ferguson (3) unlucky not to start.
Lawrence Shankland (1) only got last two minutes after goalscoring heroics in Georgia.
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