Steve Clarke watched John McGinn lead Scotland to a glory night at Hampden - then urged him to do it all over again against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
Clarke ’s side turned in arguably the most complete performance of the manager’s time in charge as they romped to a 3-0 win over Ukraine and brushed aside the very team which ended their World Cup hopes here in June. The win means Scotland are now just two draws away from topping their Nations League group and securing a place in the play-offs for Euro 2024.
But, on a nervous night, the Ukrainians resisted Scotland’s onslaught for 70 minutes before stand-in skipper McGinn fired the stunning opening goal to break their dogged resistance. And the win was wrapped up by a late double from sub Lyndon Dykes. And Clarke beamed afterwards: “It was his 49th cap tonight and it’ll be his 50th on Saturday. So hopefully he can get another goal on his 50th.
