Sub Scott McTominay scored as many goals in six minutes for Scotland as he has all season for Manchester United.
The super-sub midfielder put some gloss on a stuttering performance and laid claim to a start against Spain on Tuesday.
McTominay netted from close range in the 87th and 93rd minutes just as the Scots were getting nervy hanging on to a one goal lead.
For all the renewed optimism around the Scots - and two late McTominay goals - Steve Clarke’s men will have to be better than this to get to the Euro finals.
A John McGinn strike in the first half kicked off their Group A qualifying campaign.
But they lacked quality, were scrappy and lacked precision in attack, and ended up being rattled by a Cypriot team who grew in belief and tried to snatch an unlikely equaliser before their very late collapse.
Until the United ace struck there were nerves around Hampden Park. And it doesn’t bode too well for the arrival of group power-houses Spain on Tuesday.
McGinn’s finish in the 21st minute didn’t trigger a flow in attacking play of goals, and too often the Scots looked pedestrian in attack, particularly lacking pace against resilient opponents ranked 110th in the world.
“We need to be honest that if we want to get to the next level we need to improve," said Clarke after the match.
"We have to be brighter. We looked flat. With the players we have we can improve. I am being picky. It could have ended up one each.”
Until McTominay struck, crosses were over hit, shots blocked and there was very little guile.
It took an 87th minute goal from sub Scott McTominay to stop Scotland’s game management tactics which included Nathan Patterson hoofing it into touch.
Boss Clarke could end up being in the job for seven years if he sees out a new deal which he signed this week, and they’ll have to reach greater heights than this scrappy show.
His reign has restored faith in the national team, re-energised the now sell out Hampden Park crowd and got them to the last Euro finals.
The target is now the tournament in Germany next year and in a group with Spain as favourites they have a great chance of finishing in the top two. Clarke said: “We want to do it through the group stages, not the play offs.”
Clarke, in charge of his 42nd match and 20th win, urged a quick start and got one, but they failed to kick on and gather goals. He said: "It has been a while since we had a good start in a European qualifying campaign.
"I think somebody said it was 2006 since the last time we won an opening qualifier so I have mentioned that. I think it is always good to get off to a fast start.”
It was a cagey opening with only Aaron Hickey drawing a save and Stuart Armstrong booked for a foul on Grigoris Kastanos.
John McGinn stopped the drift with his 16th goal for Scotland, all under Clarke
Andy Robertson beat the offside trap, and a lengthy VAR review, to cross for McGinn at the back post. He volleyed home the deflected cross from two yards.
Aston Villa will be wondering where McGinn’s goal touch is. He’s got five for his nation since his last club strike.
Old Trafford star McTominay finished from six yards out after three subs combined. Ryan Christie charged down and crossed for Lyndon Dykes to knock down.
He got a second deep in injury time as the visitors lost concentration. This time it was a side footer, his third for Sctland, after a quick free kick from the left wing and Robertson’s assist.
There was even time for Nicolas Ioannou to be sent off for kicking the ball away and earning a second yellow card.
Che Adams worked hard leading the line but limped off injured before the hour and is a doubt to face Spain.
