Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill questions Scotland's tactical nous in the Nations League win over Ireland - as he clashed with pundit Michael Stewart over the "risk and reward" strategy.
It was another massive night at Hampden for Steve Clarke as Scotland took control of their Nations League destiny and the route to Euro 2024 as they came from behind to see off the visitors. John Egan had handed Ireland and early lead, but Jack Hendry 's header just after the break and a late Ryan Christie penalty mean Clarke's men go into the final game with Ukraine top of Group B1.
Despite watching Scotland claim the three points, the former Ireland gaffer O'Neill was bullish at the full-time whistle and insisted the host should have been punished for the full-throttle attack and high press implemented in front of the Tartan Army. O'Neill challenged Stewart over a comment he had made on Premier Sports commentary during the clash.
He said: "Michael you were talking in your commentary about the risk and reward of Scotland playing so high up. Can you tell me what reward they might get out of that?"
Stewart wasn't having any of it on punditry. The former Hearts and Hibs star sharply responded: "Well, they have won the game."
However, O'Neill wasn't satisfied with that response. He continued: 'Well they haven't won the game because of that. My thought is you are playing very high up the line.
"When Ireland are not under pressure, if I am the Ireland manager, I am thinking we will just put it over the top. Ireland now have a bit of pace in the team, which I didn't in my time (as manager).
"There was a couple of times in the second half where they have really pressed, and probably should scored and won the game. I thought it was kind of crazy, but I take your point."
Stewart fired back: "You look at the game against Ukraine, they have real pace as well and Scotland played like that. That allowed them to try and press high up the park and play territorially in Ukraine's half.
"Ireland did look dangerous, but they are playing like that because they have (Scott) McKenna and (Jack) Hendry who are athletic and pacy. Liverpool try and do it, and they are being punished at the moment for it.
"But that is the way Steve Clarke is trying to play the game. I think it gives another dimension to the team."
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