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Ben Banks

Three things we learned as makeshift Scotland stand tall against Ukraine to boost Euro 2024 hopes

Scotland drew 0-0 against Ukraine in their final UEFA Nations League Group B match with Ukraine.

The result means that they have won the Group B1 section and banked a Euro 2024 Nations League play-off spot. Head coach Steve Clarke did not have his troubles to seek amid injury, suspension and fitness problems but they should have been ahead inside two minutes versus a side they smashed 3-0 at Hampden last week, Che Adams denied after a defensive mistake.

Ukraine looked dangerous on the attack but a much-changed defence looked solid and stood firm, with Craig Gordon making a few fine saves. It means Scotland finish this group on 13 points and in first place ahead of Republic of Ireland, Armenia and their hosts in this match. Here are three things we learned from the match.

Greg Taylor of Scotland battles for possession with Andriy Yarmolenko of Ukraine (Getty Images)

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Decimated

Where to start with injuries. Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson. There's just a handful of players the nation was without never mind the rest.

This was by far Clarke's strongest XI but this proved a strong squad is what Scotland have at their disposal. An industrious shift from all.

Seeding boost

Promotion from Group B1 to the A tier for the next cycle of this tournament, a Euro 2024 Nations League play-off place if needed and a pot two European qualifying campaign slot when the draw is made was on offer here.

A draw has been enough to clinch it and now the chances of tournament football once more are heightened massively.

Looking to the future

This wasn't a team big on experience but this was a promising sign for the Scotland squad of the future. Jack Hendry was the oldest defender at 27 while the likes of Josh Doig and Billy Gilmour were waiting for action on the bench.

Factor in promising signs at U21s level over the break with Leon King, Ben Doak and more, this international window has served the fact that alongside senior pros, there's a great crop of youth players bubbling beneath the surface.

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