Another international window has come and gone. For Scotland, this camp was all about building towards the future but Steve Clarke’s side emerged from their Nations League double-header against Poland and Portugal without a victory in their last EIGHT competitive fixtures.
That is the Scots longest such winless run in their history and means the Tartan Army have now been starved of a victory in a competitive game for over 12 months - a 3-0 away win over Cyprus in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Two late defeats and more individual errors cost Scotland their first points of Group A1, with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo popping up with Portugal’s match-winner on 88 minutes in Lisbon after Scott McTominay’s first-half headed opener was cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes’ scuffed effort from distance.
The Poland match was there for the taking after Clarke’s men battled back from a two-goal deficit to level up the tie and were firmly in the ascendancy towards the end of the second half only for a moment of madness from Grant Hanley to gift the visitors an agonising 97th minute winner at Hampden.
Here, GlasgowWorld has carried out a review of all 16 players utilised by Clarke across both matches and assessed their performances out of ten. Those selected who played no part in both games included; Zander Clark (Hearts), Jon McCracken (Dundee), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Connor Barron (Rangers) and John Souttar (Rangers).
5. Andy Robertson - Liverpool
Whipped in a few dangerous crosses from open play that were right on the money against Poland. Rarely troubled defensively but his final ball could have been improved in Lisbon. Too many loose passes gave Portugal chances to counter. Overall 6.5/10 | SNS Group
6. Kenny McLean - Norwich City
A big opportunity for him to impress after surprisingly starting both games. Got off to a bright start against Poland but that early positive faded. Gave the ball away for in the build up to Poland's opening goal. Excellent delivery for McTominay to head home the opener vs Portugal. Picked up a knock midway through the second half which forced him off. Overall 6/10 | SNS Group
7. Billy Gilmour - Napoli
Sublime against the Poles, slamming home only his second career goal to make it 2-1. Played in a more advanced midfield role than normal and ball retention across both games was very good. Protected the back four well against Portugal. Overall 8/10 | SNS Group
8. John McGinn - Aston Villa
Disappointing again. Survived an injury scare against Poland just before half-time. Worked hard without having a huge influence on the match. Battled hard without much joy vs Portugal. Lacking that X-factor that fans know he's capable off at present. More needed from the talisman. Overall 4.5/10 | SNS Group