STEVE CLARKE hopes that Scotland’s 2-0 victory over Armenia in their opening Nations League fixture will be the start of an unbeaten run as the national team try to move on from the pain of missing out on a spot at the World Cup.
Scotland were eight games unbeaten heading into last week’s 3-1 play-off semi-final defeat at home to Ukraine that ensured the team would not make an appearance in Qatar this winter, but a disjointed performance against the war-torn nation sealed their fate.
The Nations League represents something of a fresh beginning for Clarke and his charges and the national team boss was pleased to kick off the new campaign with three well-deserved points – especially after making six changes to his starting line-up.
“It was important to get back to winning ways and it was important to start the next winning run,” he told Premier Sports. “Hopefully that starts tonight.
“I said to the players that when we come together we do good work and they listened. They understand what is expected of them.
“I didn’t have any doubts about the changes and I knew they would be good for us. There were a lot of good performances.
“It helps us move on and hopefully we can go on a long unbeaten run.
“I have got to mention Andy Robertson, the captain. He was absolutely outstanding tonight and he leads by example on and off the pitch. I thought he was outstanding for us.”
Celtic defender Anthony Ralston was handed his first international start at Hampden last night and scored the game’s opening goal as he steered in Stuart Armstrong’s cross to score a header from an acute angle.
Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson were also vying for a berth at right wing-back before the game but Clarke says this match was always going to be one for Ralston.
“He has good energy and he gets forward,” Clarke explained. “I see Anthony playing week in, week out for Celtic and they dominate the ball against teams that sit in and defend.
“We knew that Armenia would sit in and defend so it was probably a game that Anthony was quite used to taking part in.
“It was great for him to get on the end of a good cross from Stuart Armstrong. It’s not a bad way for your first start and first goal so I’m really pleased for Anthony.”
