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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Scotland players rated after comfortable win over Cyprus

Steve Clarke's side have taken another big step towards Euro 2024 with victory over Cyprus. 

Scotland made it five wins from five games in the qualification campaign with this 3-0 masterclass. 

Scott McTominay, Ryan Porteous and John McGinn were on the scoresheet. 

Here's how the players rated on the night...

Angus Gunn 7

Another clean sheet. Some easy saves. Job done.

Aaron Hickey 7

The Brentford defender has made the right-wing-back role his own. He’s got a great first touch and good awareness. Comfortable throughout.

Jack Hendry 8

Got up very well to nod down for his defensive partner Porteous to double the lead. Initially looked like a foul on the Cyprus player, but VAR checked and saw no issue. Played centrally rather than on the right.

Ryan Porteous 9

Scored his first goal for Scotland and understandably looked delighted. Stepped out of defence when he could, but also cleared his lines when it was required. The Watford centre-back has slotted into the backline very nicely indeed and looks like he will be a mainstay for years.

Kieran Tierney 7

Made some loose passes in the first half, perhaps his lack of game time of late told. If he did make any errors on the ball though, he almost instantly atoned. The defence had little to do, but he made some solid blocks.

Andy Robertson 8

Great cross for the opening goal. It may have been intended for McGinn rather than the goalscorer, but the vision was there. Good defensively too.

Callum McGregor 8

Kept things ticking over in midfield. His composure on the ball is top-class. Like his other midfielders, as well as boasting quality in possession, his energy levels are of such a big benefit to Clarke’s system.

Billy Gilmour 8

Takes the ball and moves it on with such purpose. The pass fizzed into Adam’s feet in the build-up to the third goal was impressive. His confidence is clearly back and playing every week at Brighton is doing him the world of good.

John McGinn 9

Tenacious as always, leading by example. He may not be the captain of the team but his leadership qualities shine through. Neat flick-on at the near-post for McTominay’s goal, he showed good awareness. Lovely placed finish for the third of the night and his 17th for his country.

Scott McTominay 9

Six for the qualification campaign for the Manchester United midfielder. He may be out of favour at club level, but he has made himself one of the firm favourites for the national team. Returned an assist for McGinn later in the first half after great build-up play. He was absolutely everywhere, as per usual, and enjoyed a great game. An integral player for Clarke.

Che Adams 6

Showed some good hold-up play and also flashes of his link-up ability. A pretty quiet evening for the frontman.

Subs:

Kenny McLean (for Gilmour, 66’) 4

Kept energy levels up.

Lyndon Dykes (for Adams, 66’) 4

Quiet but always a focal point.

Stuart Armstrong (for McGinn, 83’) 2

Disciplined in his work.

Nathan Patterson (for Hickey, 83’) 2

Got up to speed with the game.

Ryan Christie (for McTominay, 89’) 1

On for final minutes.

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