Three things we learned as Scotland turn to the bench…

Three things we learned as Scotland turn to the bench for inspiration during impressive Ukraine win

Scotland looked to their bench to inspire a 3-0 win against Ukraine In their latest UEFA Nations League match at Hampden Park.

It was a strong first half from head coach Steve Clarke's side but they had not found a way to goal against their Group 1 opponents in League B, who also eliminated them from the World Cup 2022 qualifying process in the summer. There was a blow to contend with too with in-form right-back Nathan Patterson stretchered off while Che Adams passed up a chance to score alongside Southampton teammate Stuart Armstrong.

Shots on target were few and far between with just three registered between the two sides in the first hour but that soon changed with a barrage of chances, with. John McGinn eventually firing home to open the scoring, before corners from Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser resulted in two headed goals from QPR forward Lyndon Dykes after both came off the bench. They head into their next match in this section against Republic of Ireland first and on nine points ahead of taking on Ukraine again away from home next week. Here are three things we learned from Scotland's latest encounter.

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Injury blow

Patterson really has had a luckless time of it. He didn't get in the Rangers team only due to the form of James Tavernier and a January move to Everton saw minutes limited due to injury.

Now he's getting a run with Frank Lampard's men, he has picked up a nasty looking injury. A major blow for the player who's chances of playing in any of his nation's next two games look slim.

Back to natural settings

Kieran Tierney has been in and out of this Scotland team due to injury and when he has played under Clarke, it's been as a left centre-back.

In this match he was utilised in his normal left-back role in place of injured captain Andy Robertson but his driving runs from deep were limited, perhaps to some surprise as he was in a more attacking role in theory, but he grew into the match.