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Sport
Ben Banks

Three talking points as Scotland surrender two-goal lead in Austria during friendly test

Scotland finished off their friendly preparations for June's World Cup play-off matches by drawing with Austria 2-2 in Vienna.

A largely-empty Ernst-Happel-Stadion met Steve Clarke's men as Franco Foda prepared for his last match in charge of the home side.

But his night was soured further after Wales downed their Qatar 2022 hopes last week, with the Scots racing into a two-goal lead.

Jack Hendry headed Scotland ahead before John McGinn finished off a terrific team move to double their advantage.

Michael Gregoritsch pulled one back and Alessandro Schopf levelled as Foda bowed out on a spirited comeback for his team.

In terms of Scotland, they are now eight games unbeaten after last week's friendly draw with Poland, ahead of two defining matches with Ukraine and potentially Wales this summer. Here are three talking points.

(SNS Group)

Night to remember

Clarke made five changes to the XI which drew 1-1 with Poland and his most notable inclusion was selecting Lewis Ferguson from the start.

The Aberdeen midfielder and product of the Hamilton academy has been on the squad's fringes in recent camps but was thrown in for some experience in Vienna.

He looked accomplished at this level and turned in a trademark energetic performance in the middle of the park, before being subbed 13 minutes from time.

It's a nice boost ahead of a crucial Premiership run-in with Aberdeen.

The streak lives

Clarke will be far from happy that his side threw away a two-goal lead but he'll still take positives from what has been a productive week.

A controversial penalty in the 94th minute denied his team a victory last week and a silly seven-minute period gifted Austria a way back into this game.

That said, they were only friendly matches and Scotland are still unbeaten since a defeat to Denmark in September.

The big one is right around the corner...

Looking ahead

It could be a mammoth month for Scotland but June is where fans have had their minds set, even in this set of fixtures where two games have been played.

Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there's still uncertainty over what will actually transpire, but action is set to commence as things stand.

Clarke will need to figure out a way past a stern opponent in Ukraine before Gareth Bale and the Welsh potentially await in the play-off final.

Most youngsters in the country haven't witnessed Scots at a World Cup, the last trip being France 1998, so expect tension to be high for those two bouts.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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