Good things come to those who wait but no amount of Guinness will make up for Scotland’s dismal Dublin display.
Steve Clarke, however, might be advised to take a stiff drink before sitting down to sift through the reaction to Saturday’s sobering 3-0 loss to Ireland on the Hotline.
The Tartan Army were in party mood the night before the game as they drank the Temple Bar dry.
But the only Scottish punters reaching for the black stuff at full-time were the ones desperate to drown their sorrows after watching Stephen Kenny’s men run riot at the Aviva.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny , was the first one on the blower to vent his feelings, saying: “That was the worst performance under Steve Clarke so far. It’s a horrific showing that leaves the fans and players as sick as parrots in the Nations League.
“It’s time for change and let's start by showing Clarke the door along with some certain under-performing players too. I’d bring in Jack Ross to save our national team from further embarrassment from the present management.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, emailed in: “After getting gubbed by Ukraine, Steve Clarke told us how important the Nations League was - but losing 3-0 to a poor Republic of Ireland side is a step to far.
“It's time for a fresh approach.”
Paddy Gowans added: “Clarke must get the sack. We need to appoint a foreign coach who understands European football. It’s not all his fault, these players are not international class apart from three or four of them - the rest can't cut the mustard.”
Derek Adese, Dundee, raged: “The players should apologise to the the travelling support, who must be sick watching and paying for this dross. And as for Stevie, it’s time to go. Your choice of players is baffling.”
Thomas Marshall also took a pop at the boss, saying: “Let's take a realistic look at Scotland - we’re absolutely rotten. There’s no other way to describe it.
“As for Clarke he must go now. He’s clueless and should never have got the job in first place. Bye bye Clarke."
Robert Pender wrote: “Don’t care how many excuses that are made the simple truth is the tactics have been wrong. No balance in defence, no balance in midfield and the attack is non-existent.”
Rob McNab, Dunoon, also said: “I’m fed up with the rose tinted view of Clarke and some of his players. You are instantly shot down if you criticise said manager or players because they qualified for a major tournament.
“Let’s get this straight, Alex McLeish got them to the play-offs, all Clarke did to qualify was draw to games and then relied on penalties.
“We were then routed and outclassed on our own pitch twice in a major tournament. He has achieved very little, if you continually have to alter your shape and formation in big matches, does that not tell you that something is fundamentally wrong?
“Stubborn Steve won’t change. He is Kilmarnock level at best. We should be sending an SOS for Davie Moyes.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, is also demanding change, saying: “Surely this latest result and performance against the Republic of Ireland must now start proceedings for a big clear out… beginning with Steve Clarke.
“This guy doesn’t have a clue on tactics or team selection, all be it being restricted to what’s available.
“The whole hierarchy of the SFA must step down now to make way for a new team of football-minded personnel to get us on the way upwards again.
“This latest result may have been just what we needed to get the changes set in motion. The Tartan Army are due something in return.”
Veteran fan Bill Waugh fears last year’s Euro was the final tournament appearance for a Scotland team in his lifetime.
“Let’s face it. We are a mediocre team. Auckinleck would have beaten Armenia and Ireland scored their first goals in three games against a team that couldn’t defend against a nursery school team.
“We punched to qualify for the Euros but it could be another 20 odd years before we get anywhere again. Nothing in this group shows qualification for anything soon. I’m 72 and won’t see Scotland in another tournament sadly.”
John Bruce said: “As a footballing nation, we love to self-flagelate. When we actually got to a World Cup finals and we had an international class footballer in Graeme Souness, our manager decided to leave him on the bench - and we were beaten in a crucial game.
“If we need to win decisive games, we either use the wrong players, the wrong set-up or we don't turn up. It never changes.
“But it could. Because we have never had a top-class manager, one who can identify and use the very good young players that we have, to go along with those who play in the EPL and play in European competitions - and even Euro finals.
“Until the bowling club committee that runs the SFA changes and a top-class manager is brought in, Scotland will continue to shoot itself in the foot.”
