Defensive frailties evident

AN away match against Turkiye is never an easy task - it becomes even more difficult when the hosts are gifted a lead.

Scotland struggled to get going in the friendly with Turkiye controlling much of the first 45 minutes and on another night, the hosts could've been out of sight.

Ozan Kabak gave Scotland two warnings before he was presented with a third golden chance to head home the opener.

Cengiz Under's second took just a couple of passes for Turkiye to break clear and allow the winger to cleverly slot home.

Scotland's eventual consolation sparked a flurry of pushing bodies forward which only further served to put a shaky defence - now changed to a four-at-the-back - under pressure.

Steve Clarke's men off the boil

IT was a case of just too many players not performing for the national team in Turkiye.

For much of Steve Clarke's reign, the players have shown up on the big occasion.

Tonight was not a big occasion, and the players simply weren't at it until McGinn's effort in the second-half.

It will come as some sort of consolation that tonight mattered little for the national team - and even then, they almost snatched a draw despite a largely disappointing display.

Some solace can also be taken in Calvin Ramsay making his debut and more minutes for Lewis Ferguson on the international stage

John McGinn does it again for Scotland

MORE often than not John MGinn plays a key role in the Scotland team. In Turkiye it was no different.

When so many of his team-mates were struggling, McGinn provided a moment of magic to make a game of things in the friendly encounter.

A surging run from inside his own half was capped off with a terrific finish into the bottom corner.

McGinn not only offered a moment of joy for the travelling Tartan Army in Turkiye but also showed he is a guaranteed performer for his country even after some struggles at Aston Villa this season.

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