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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Wilson

Scotland player ratings as Stuart Armstrong gets star billing for decisive double against Armenia

It started badly, but a red card and Stuart Armstrong's intervention got Scotland back on track against Armenia.

Steve Clarke' s men ran out 4-1 winners against nine men in yerevan, but not before an early Nations League scare.

The back three of Scott McTominay, Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry were all at sea as the hosts took a shock lead, and they looked uncomfortable for the next half-an-hour, even after Armstrong restored parity.

It took Arman Hovhannisyan's sending off and Armstrong's second right on half-time before the Tartan Army could breathe easier, but the lack of solidity at the back will be concern.

The midfield didn't exactly bring their A-game, but took control after the break as John McGinn and Che Adams made the game safe.

Here's how the visitors rated out of ten.

CRAIG GORDON

Won 70th cap and nerves must have been shorn behind abomination of a defensive show in first half. Good save from Barseghyan and no chance with goal. 6

SCOTT McTOMINAY

Deployed in back three but lacks defensive nous. Started some decent attacks breaking out but positionally suspect at opener and struggled with backline basics. 5

GRANT HANLEY

Shocking start as passed straight out the park then badly outmuscled by Barseghyan for the opener. Confidence looks shattered and too easily dragged out of position. Subbed late on. 4

JACK HENDRY

Set up equaliser with ball into Adams then last ditch intervention to deny Barseghyan. But sloppy on ball and far too often on a different wavelength in a disjointed backline. 4

NATHAN PATTERSON

Covered plenty of ground on the right. Miscued big chance then clattered by Hovhannisyan at red card. Brilliant cushioned assist for McGinn goal before being subbed. 6

CALLUM McGREGOR

Uncharacteristically untidy in possession, made a couple of key interceptions but never properly got a grip of midfield until Armenia went down to 10. Looks tired. 6

BILLY GILMOUR

Back in from start and always looking to pass forward. Tidy and inventive in his use of the ball and created numerous openings. Subbed. 7

GREG TAYLOR

Worked hard up and down left flank and provided cross that led to third goal. Did well without matching quality of rested skipper Andy Robertson - as most would. 6

STUART ARMSTRONG

Star man. Composed finish for leveller and sensational second goal as his quick feet created space before drilling low into corner. Great break to assist Adams’ goal. 9

JOHN McGINN

Skipper for the night started in behind Adams. Struggled to find gaps to exploit before game opened up and took his goal well. Headbutted by Hovhannisyan. Subbed. 6

CHE ADAMS

Led the line for a fourth time in two weeks, worked hard, linked play, rewarded with goal after showing composure to cut inside and fire home and unlucky not to grab a second. Subbed. 7

SUBS:

LEWIS FERGUSON

Replaced Gilmour for last 27 minutes and helped keep shape to see game out. 4

ANTHONY RALSTON

On for Patterson after 63 minutes when job was done. Did what was needed. 4

DAVID TURNBULL

Given a run out on 63 minutes in place of McGinn, kept things tidy but game had died to a training pace by that point. 4

JACOB BROWN

Got last 17 minutes in place of Adams and showed good touches and plenty of desire. 3

ALLAN CAMPBELL

Debut for Luton midfielder who got last six minutes to help protect big lead and almost got a goal to celebrate. 2

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