Scotland got the World Cup send-off Steve Clarke so badly wanted as an excited Hampden crowd cheered their heroes to a 4-1 win over the island nation of Curacao — but everything wasn’t quite as rosy as it appeared as the team prepares to jet off to the States tomorrow.
Clarke’s men trailed 1-0 as a largely uninspiring first half crept towards a conclusion, but a moment of madness from Curacao striker Jurgen Locadio changed the entire complexion of the game and the Scots were buoyed going in at the break after Findlay Curtis levelled matters within minutes of his arrival on the pitch.
Curtis came on after an injury picked up by Billy Gilmour which will cause serious concern for Clarke and the entire nation, but a positive outlook was assured in a one-sided second-half performance that saw Lawrence Shankland claim an impressive double and a Ryan Christie penalty rounded off the scoring.
CRAIG GORDON – 6
Just his fourth outing since Denmark and on the whole he had little cause to work up a sweat. Could do little at the goal and, despite nearing his bus pass, remains our best option in goal.
Aaron Hickey will be glad of the 45 minutes he enjoyed against Curacao at Hampden
AARON HICKEY – 6
Always adds a classy, composed presence on the right and displayed some nice touches, energy and movement. Your heart is in your mouth every time he goes down injured though.
JOHN SOUTTAR – 5
Beaten too easily by Chong for Curacao’s shock opener and too many question marks surround him at the top level. Will be left sweating on a starting role against Haiti in Boston.
SCOTT McKENNA – 5
Dinamo Zagreb man got sucked in at the press and his miscalculation led to Curacao breaking free to stun Hampden. Would have wanted longer on the pitch to atone for his error.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 6
Went close with fizzing early shot and was steady presence up and down the left side. Suspicion persists that his best days are behind him but you just know he’ll never let the side down.
Ryan Christie’s penalty was rich reward for a purposeful display attacking from midfield
BILLY GILMOUR – 6
Innocuous injury brought a concerning end to his afternoon during a tidy first-half. Should start at the expense of Lewis Ferguson in first-choice midfield but that could now be in doubt.
KENNY McLEAN – 7
Fantastic clipped cross teed up Hirst for header and clever through ball fed Curtis for the opener. Lots of neat touches in a fine display. No wonder goals this time, though. Booked.
RYAN CHRISTIE – 7
Playing more advanced than he has been used to at club level and offered plenty threat before penalty afforded him the goal he deserved. Has magic in his boots and a massive role to play.
BEN GANNON-DOAK – 7
Energetic and electric from the off, what a delight to see him in full flow again. Final ball needs work, as ever, but as long as he stays fit, he will set pulses racing time and again this summer.
Lawrence Shankland is now nailed-on favourite to start up front for Scotland against Haiti
LAWRENCE SHANKLAND – 8
The starting slot up front is his now for sure. Eye-catchingly industrious throughout in trying to connect play and his two well-taken strikes put the icing on the cake in a statement display.
GEORGE HIRST – 6
Heavily involved from the off and highly visible with his newly-bleached blond hair. Looked the most dangerous of Scotland’s forwards during his 45 minutes and can be satisfied overall.
STEVE CLARKE – 6
Got the victory, the minutes-in-legs and the send-off he desired. He’ll be chuffed to bits. However, Scots were trailing until the red card and it’s clear as day he doesn’t know his best defence.
SUBSTITUTES
Findlay Curtis (Gilmour 42) Instant impact and big summer ahead;
Findlay Curtis couldn’t have dreamed of making a bigger impact ahead of the World Cup
Grant Hanley (Souttar 46) Steady and untroubled;
Nathan Patterson (Hickey 46) He’s no Hickey;
Dominic Hyam (McKenna 46) Little to do;
Lyndon Dykes (Hirst 46) excellent lay-off for Shankland’s second;
Tyler Fletcher (Gannon-Doak 46) A glimpse of the future;
Liam Kelly (Gordon 77) Instant save;
Anthony Ralston (Robertson 77); Some minutes on the left;
James Wilson (Shankland) On for the hero of the afternoon.
Not used: Luke Graham, Angus Gunn, Jack Hendry.
