Scotland were made to work for it, but found a way to get the job done against North Macedonia at Hampden.
It was far from a vintage performance, with Sebastien Pocognoli's side struggling for fluency for long periods and occasionally looking vulnerable when surrendering possession. Yet there were still positives, particularly the contribution of John McGinn and another influential display from Billy Gilmour in midfield.
McGinn’s goal helped settle Scotland before he turned provider for Oli McBurnie, while Gilmour continued to show why he will be so important going forward. Here’s how the Scotland players rated.
Angus Gunn – 5. The goalkeeper did not have a lot to do throughout the match but dealt with most balls without any danger. Playing out from the back continues to be a weakness.
Kieran Tierney – 6. The Celtic defender was kept busy in the latter stages of the match but managed to keep Churlinov quiet. He supplied the skipper with some excellent balls.
Luke Graham – 5. A quiet debut for the Stoke City man. He remained composed when called upon and slotted into a newly formed defence comfortably.
Ryan Porteous – 5. While Porteous supplied Gannon-Doak with some progressive passes, he helped the opposition by gifting them possession on the odd occasion. A better side would have taken greater advantage.
Andy Robertson – 6. A milestone appearance for the captain did not result in a memorable performance. The Spurs full-back got up and down the flank for the full 90 but failed to create much for the attackers.
Billy Gilmour (off 76) – 7. Much of Scotland’s positivity in midfield came through the Napoli man. That being said, he produced one of the worst misses seen at Hampden since Chris Iwelumo. Linked up well with Adams and Robertson and surely must start in St Gallen.
Lewis Ferguson – 6. Ferguson kept the game ticking over with tidy play and helped Scotland progress the ball. The only yellow card of the night was awarded to him for time-wasting just before stoppage time.
Ben Gannon-Doak (off 76) – 6. The Bournemouth winger was lively on the ball but ultimately created little. It was a frustrating night for him and his teammates. The quality is clear, but the end product is still lacking.
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John McGinn – 8. McGinn’s confidence grew after his goal and his performance improved with it. He took his chance well before breaking the lines to find McBurnie. He goes home as his country’s joint-second-highest goalscorer.
Scott McTominay – 4. McTominay’s return from the World Cup did not go as well as he would have hoped. He helped the team more when dropping deeper but failed to have a major influence on the game.
Che Adams (off 67) – 7. The assist for McGinn summed up Adams’ night. While he failed to get on the scoresheet, he remained active and helped the team in attack. He has a strong case to start on Monday.
Oli McBurnie (on 67) – 6. McBurnie set Gannon-Doak up superbly for the penalty incident and did not give the North Macedonian defenders a second on the ball. A real nuisance.
Aaron Hickey (on 76) – 5. N/A.
Ryan Christie (on 76) – 5. N/A.
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