John Souttar wants Ben Doak to simply enjoy his football after the teenager excited the Tartan Army on his first start for Scotland.
The 18-year-old attacker, on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool, started the 2-1 defeat by Croatia in Zagreb on Saturday after two previous substitute appearances in the Nations League campaign.
Doak was involved in Ryan Christie’s opener after 33 minutes when his cross landed at the Bournemouth midfielder’s feet via a defensive mistake and the former Celtic player’s pace and positivity troubled the Croatia defence before he made way for Ryan Gauld in the 77th minute after the home side had turned it around.
Ahead of the home game against Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, where the Scots will look to get off the mark in their League A Group 1 campaign, Rangers defender Souttar revealed his admiration for Doak but is wary of putting too much expectation on his shoulders.
Souttar said: “Yeah, he was really good. It’s just important to focus on that and look at what he did without putting too much pressure on him.
“We should let him enjoy his football and give him that freedom.
“Don’t put pressure on a young boy – just let him go out and perform. I thought he was excellent.
“He’s 18. He’s so young. He’s just got to enjoy it.”
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Scotland’s lead at the Stadion Maksimir did not last long, with Igor Matanovic levelling three minutes later.
Returning Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon made a fine save from Borna Sosa in the 70th minute, only for Andrej Kramaric to head in from close range.
In the fifth minute of added time substitute Che Adams helped Scotland get the ball in the net, but their celebrations were curtailed when VAR confirmed an offside.
Souttar, appearing for the first time for his country since the 4-0 defeat by the Netherlands in March, said: “It was difficult to accept, especially the ending. We were up against a top side.
“I think there were spells when we moved the ball really well. It’s difficult when everyone puts that much into the game and it ends the way it does.
“I watched the last two games and I thought the boys were excellent for the majority of both of them.
“It’s just been small details at both ends of the pitch which has been the problem.
“There’s so much quality on the pitch at both ends – defending and attacking. It’s small moments.
“It’s positive to look back on. I’m sure in the next few days we’ll review the game and see that.
“I think if we can play like we did and keep the belief (it will happen).
“Obviously, it’s not going to be easy. But we’ll just need to stick together – I know it will turn.”
