STEVE CLARKE celebrated his 70th game in charge of Scotland with a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Belarus in Hungary tonight.
The goals came in each half from Che Adams and Zakhar Volkov (og) to give the team three vital points in their efforts to reach the USA and Mexico next year.
The Scots were calm and composed as they attempted to pick holes in the hosts’ rearguard and they made the breakthrough just two minutes from the interval.
It was a well-worked goal with Max Johnston, on his first start for his country, playing in John McGinn on the right. The midfielder dragged the ball to his left foot before drilling over a cross to the back post.
GREAT SCOTT…Napoli ace McTominay was on target again for Scotland against Belarus.
Scott McTominay rose majestically to head back across goal and Adams’ timing was perfect as he arrived four yards out to fire a first-time drive into the net.
It was no more than the Scots deserved after Billy Gilmour had seen a low shot diverted onto the left-hand post just a minute beforehand.
The killer goal arrived in the 65th minute when Adams and Gilmour combined to set up an opportunity for McTominay, but the unfortunate Volkov got in the way to knock the ball into his own net.
Both Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney were forced to miss this one and Friday’s goalless draw against Denmark in Copenhagen, but the Celtic duo will be available for the visit of Greece for the next fixture at Hampden on Sunday October 12.
The Greeks, who thumped Belarus 5-1 last week, were hammered 3-0 at home this evening by the Danes.
Kasper Dolberg, linked with Celtic on deadline day before the striker’s return to Ajax from Anderlecht, was an unused substitute.
