Steve Clarke's Scotland have three points in the bag after seeing off Cyprus in a 3-0 victory at Hampden Park.
Scotland began the game with some intensity and John McGinn seemed to be leading the charge for the opening goal. The Aston Villa man was in the right spot to volley home Andy Robertson's deflected cross in a super move down the left had side on 20 minutes. The home side carried a threat especially down the flanks throughout the first period. Che Adams fired a dangerous effort just before the break that was saved.
In the second half, Clarke's men couldn't quite find an opening with a flurry of blocked efforts with twenty to play causing the most concern for Cyprus. Substitute Scott McTominay ended the long wait for a second goal, latching on to a Lyndon Dykes header to smash home. The Manchester United star was at it again to bag a brace with a cool finish in added time.
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Angus Gunn - 6
One nervy moment in the first half but recovered well. Held a deflected shot well with five to play.
Andy Robertson - 7
Deflected cross set up the opener but the run was inch-perfect. A good second half from the skipper.
Grant Hanley - 7
Swept up any danger well. No hesitation to hoof the ball or make a strong challenge.
Kieran Tierney - 7
Some top movement with attacking runs and link-up. He looked a live wire throughout for Scotland.
Ryan Porteous - 6
A steady first half with nothing major to report. Booked with 15 to play. Had a few moments of lapsed concentration but often recovered.
Aaron Hickey - 7
Drawn in to a few fouls early on but was causing issues down the flank. Couldn't quite get the deliveries in but was nimble on the ball.
John McGinn - 8
Looked a threat in attack and his movement was nice. Sweet volley to open the scoring and was digging in with his usual enthusiasm. A good showing.
Callum McGregor - 6
50 appearances for the Celtic skipper and game went by without incident.
Ryan Jack - 6
Lots of the ball in the opening stages. Looked really sharp when latching on to stray passes. Replaced on 70 minutes.
Stuart Armstrong - 5
Piling pressure on the Cyprus defence and offered good runs. Little impact from the opening stages, fell out of the game. Replaced on 70 minutes.
Che Adams - 6
Had to come deep in first half but contributed well. Strong effort just before the break. Replaced on the hour.
Subs:
Lyndon Dykes - 6
Showed his physicality but saw his efforts blocked. Nice assist for McTominay's goal.
Ryan Christie - 6
A chance after just coming on but should have hit first time. Was chasing down like there was no tomorrow. Kept the ball alive for the second goal.
Scott McTominay - 8
On to steady the ship but managed to smash home a good effort before netting a cool brace in a superb impact from the bench.
Nathan Patterson - 2
Ten to play when he came on.
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