Scotland got off to a winning start in their bid to reach Germany next summer as they swept Cyprus aside at Hampden.
John McGinn netted his 16th goal for his country while substitute Scott McTominay netted a late brace to add a bit of gloss to the Group A opener. Angus Gunn made his debut between the sticks and kept a clean sheet while midfielder Callum McGregor made his 50th appearance to earn his place in the Hampden Hall of Fame. Steve Clarke can be happy with the afternoon's work but knows there will be stiffer tests to come - starting with Spain on Tuesday.
But the strength of the Scotland squad was underlined by the quality that came off the bench with Lyndon Dykes replacing Che Adams, now a doubt for Spain, and Ryan Christie, McTominay and Nathan Patterson all coming off the bench. Here, Record Sport rates the players.
ANGUS GUNN 6
Given nod after pledging allegiance and comfortable early save from Kastanos to settle nerves. Slip after 33 minutes as he collected through ball might have set them off again but good stop from deflected Kakoullis shot late on.
RYAN PORTEOUS 7
Second cap for the birthday boy. No home debut nerves for the Waford defender though as he organised backline with Hanley, won his headers and showed his ability to pass through the lines. Booked for trip on Artymatas.
GRANT HANLEY 7
Took the centre ground in back three and comfortable afternoon beside Porteous and Tierney. Barely stretched by a second rate Cyprus outfit content to sit deep. Alert enough whenever something was thrown his way.
KIERAN TIERNEY 7
First start in two months but no sign of rustiness. Reprised the underlapping centre back role inside Robertson to keep Cypriots pegged back in first half. Fewer forays forward after break.
AARON HICKEY 6
Drove forward on right side and forced decent save from Demetriou after 12 minutes. Couple of decent balls into box produced openings and stuck to task heading the other way. Subbed after 78.
ANDY ROBERTSON 7
Skipper spent majority of first half like an out and out winger and provided deflected cross for McGinn to knock home opener. Quiet second half but still flashed a couple of low balls across face of goal. Fluffed late chance.
RYAN JACK 7
Tireless performance as he combined protecting the backline with bursts into the box. Balanced base with McGregor allows McGinn and wing backs to concentrate on supporting attack. Replaced by McTominay after 66.
CALLUM McGREGOR 8
Fiftieth cap and Hall of Fame entrance for Celtic man who strolled through the 90 minutes. Took turns with Jack to break out of midfield and kept it simple in possession. Typical performance from key man.
JOHN McGINN 8
Goal number 16 for fans’ favourite as he hit back post to knock home Robertson’s cross. Now outright seventh in all-time scorers list. Linked play well in the final third, found pockets of space and sniffed out the big opportunity when needed.
STUART ARMSTRONG 7
Southampton man can be a hit or a miss for Scotland but clever ball to Robertson set up opener and intelligence in and around the box helped get Scotland in behind deep lying Cypriots. Booked for clipping Kastanos. Off after 66.
CHE ADAMS 6
All energy. Dropping deep one moment to create space for McGinn and Armstrong and spinning in behind the next. Decent effort touched over bar after 42 minutes. Off with dead leg after 56.
SUBSTITUTES
LYNDON DYKES 6
Replaced Adams after 56 minutes and tussled with Gogic. Brilliant cushioned header into McTominay’s path for second goal.
SCOTT McTOMINAY 7
Trebled his international goal tally in the space of 24 minutes. Made no mistake with neat finish from Dykes knock down for second goal and clam finish for third.
RYAN CHRISTIE 6
Replaced Armstrong for final 24 minutes with Scots needing a jag and immediately had shot blocked by desperate Cyprus defending. Won ball and provided cross for clincher.
NATHAN PATTERSON 4
On for Hickey for last 12 minutes. Got forward.
