Scotland Player Ratings v Austria



Tuesday night’s victory was monumental for Steve Clarke and Scotland. A 1-0 win in Vienna saw the Scots move into a play off place for the 2022 Qatar World Cup albeit just one point ahead of Israel. This is the first time I’ve wrote about player ratings for a Scotland game so let’s waste no more time and begin. 

Craig Gordon - 6/10

The Hearts captain didn’t have much to do in goal but he helped his side to a clean sheet and was prepared when called into action. 


Stephen O’Donnell - 7/10

Stephen O’Donnell was resolute defensively but going forward, the 29 year old wasn’t the finest. O’Donnell found himself in several promising positions but was unable to capitalise. The Motherwell man though, done his bit at the back and I don’t think the result would’ve changed should he have been on the pitch for 90 minutes rather than the 78 he played. 


Jack Hendry - 9/10

Jack Hendry was my man of the match tonight. The new Club Brugge defender, along with his fellow teammates, limited Marko Arnautovic to any chances of note. Hendry always seemed to be at the right place at the right time and his silky on the ball ability didn’t go unnoticed as well. 


Grant Hanley - 8/10

Along with Hendry, Grant Hanley was rock solid at the back. The 30 year old had Scotland fans with their hearts in their mouths though when he clambered Martin Hinteregger in the box; a yellow card the result but no penalty as the ball was not in play. Hanley continues to keep up the consistency for the national team but he will miss the visit of Israel to Hampden due to his afore mentioned booking. 


Kieran Tierney - 7/10

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney once again excelled in the left centre back role despite this not being his natural position. Tierney got forward well and also fulfilled his defensive duties, combining well with central defensive partners Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry. 


Andy Robertson - 7/10

The Scotland captain wasn’t heavily encompassed in this evening’s game but he still managed to cover the whole left hand side. Robertson’s cheeky attempt to try and beat Daniel Bachmann from a long range free kick wasn’t far off target. 


Billy Gilmour - 8/10

Billy Gilmour sat, splendidly, in behind Callum McGregor and John McGinn in the Scotland midfield. The Norwich loanee won countless second balls and played some opulent forward-thinking passes. Gilmour was subbed off on the 88th minute after yet another top-drawer performance for his nation. 


Callum McGregor - 8/10

The partnership between Callum McGregor and John McGinn in midfield was a vital clog in the Scotland team tonight. The Celtic captain complimented McGinn’s physicality ably. The 28 year old also carried the ball forward skilfully and won several free kicks for his side which brought Scotland up the park along with giving the defence well deserved breathers. 


John McGinn - 7/10

Similarly to Callum McGregor, John McGinn had another splendid display for his country. McGinn used his body expertly and his characteristic powerful dribbles didn’t go unnoticed. In addition, the Aston Villa midfielder came close to getting an assist when his cross was perfectly hung up at the back post for Lyndon Dykes to attack. 


Lyndon Dykes - 8/10

The goalscorer fearlessly competed for every header, second ball and duel. Dykes disclosed admirable courage to step up and take what turned out to be the match defining penalty; forcefully converting the spot kick. The 25 year old has 2 goals in 2 games for Scotland now and he’ll be saddened to see the end of the current International break. 


Che Adams - 7/10

Adams won the penalty which his strike partner scored and the duo worked efficiently up top for Scotland. The Southampton man was unlucky himself not to score when he dragged a shot wide of the Austria goal in the final 15 minutes. Adams proved a nuisance for the Austria defence but was able to contrast this when holding up the ball. 


Substitutes (As Lewis Ferguson and Kevin Nisbet featured for just 5 or so minutes, they will not be rated) 


Paul McGinn - 6/10

The Hibernian right back replaced Stephen O’Donnell on the 78th minute for his Scotland debut. McGinn joined his younger brother on the field of play and didn’t really put a foot wrong which earns him a firm rating of 6. 


Thank you for reading this article. If you have any opinions, feel free to comment down below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog.

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