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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Scotland player ratings as Poland secure late victory

Scotland came from two goals down to secure what looked like a vital point in their Nations League opener against Poland.

However, the visitors had other ideas as they scored a 96th minute winner to claim all three points in Glasgow.

Second-half strikes by Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay had the hosts right back in the game at Hampden.

Here's how we rated Steve Clarke's men tonight...

Angus Gunn   6

Could do absolutely nothing about the Polish first goal. The dip on the ball made it near-impossible to get near, and it was rifled perfectly into the corner, going in off the post. Should’ve saved Poland’s second spot kick.

Anthony Ralston   7

Did himself no harm with a good performance. Unfortunately for him, was at fault for Poland’s penalty. He was a yard off the pace as he clumsily came through the back of his opponent. He recovered well with a brilliant cutback for Scotland’s equaliser. For the most part he was sharp, got stuck in, was willing to play forward and not always take the safe route.

Grant Hanley   5

Monitored the backline okay until 96 minutes, when he inexplicably, needlessly dived in as Poland got a second penalty, and scored a winner. What was he doing?

Scott McKenna   6

Playing regularly in La Liga could see the left-sided centre-back become a first-pick for Clarke. Looked assured.

Andy Robertson   6

Liverpool’s left-back whipped in a delightful cross for McTominay’s no-goal. It was right on the money. His delivery from open play was more often than not below par, though.

Billy Gilmour   9

His second international goal – and what a hit it was. The new Napoli midfielder reacted first to the break of the ball in the box and slammed home, as his shot had too much power for the goalkeeper. Noticeably played a forward pass more than he usually does. His retention of the ball is a top quality in an outstanding performance.

Kenny McLean   5

Was enjoying a confident start as he was given the nod with Callum McGregor no longer available for selection. His positivity disappeared on eight minutes though after a short pass failed to meet midfield partner Gilmour, as Poland easily intercepted, immediately leading to their opener. 

Scott McTominay   9

Stood still in a dangerous area, hanging back from the crowd and his intelligence paid off as he was in the right place to stroke home Scotland’s second. Very unlucky that the ball came off his arm at the disallowed goal on 23 minutes. He’s got great close control and is always a threat with his powerful, direct running style. Can’t separate him and his new club teammate Gilmour for man of the match.

John McGinn   7

Did most of what we expect our talisman to do. An injury scare five minutes before half time. Evaded his marker plenty of times with a trademark drop of the shoulder and swivel of the hips.

Ryan Christie   6

Plenty of determination, closing down and energy as always, with smatterings of his dazzling quick feet. Played a delicious cross to Dykes but the striker couldn’t score.

Lyndon Dykes   6

Missed a golden opportunity at the back post towards the end of the first half. Comes at an awkward height granted, but he had to at least hit the target at the angle just outside the six-yard box. Decent hold-up play.

Subs:

Lawrence Shankland (for Dykes, 70’)   4

No chances for Hearts’ talisman.

Ryan Gauld (for McLean, 70’)   4

Very little impact from the MLS player.

Ben Doak (for Christie, 70’)   5

Will have gained immense confidence from his involvement before the second goal.

Lewis Morgan (for Gilmour, 81’)   3

Ran about on the wing.

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