Scots no match for Dutch courage
SCOTLAND began life after Gordon Strachan with a 1-0 friendly defeat by Holland at Pittodrie after Memphis Depay netted a controversial winner.
Depay looked offside as he netted from close range following a counter-attack five minutes before the interval.
An experimental Scotland side were otherwise comfortable at the back and had plenty of encouraging moments going forward but lacked firepower.
The match was overshadowed by Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan declaring hours before kick-off that caretaker manager Malky Mackay was definitely not a contender to succeed Strachan on a long-term basis.
But there were several others staking their claim for ongoing involvement as the SFA performance director handed starting debuts to Ryan Jack, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor and a second cap for Kenny McLean.
There were also positional changes with left-back and new captain Kieran Tierney impressing in central defence after playing the final few games of Strachan’s reign at right-back.
Scotland had the first sights of goal as Matt Phillips twice threatened to get in behind the Dutch defence. Both he and James Forrest had shots blocked.
Scotland were looking compact and comfortable when their opponents had possession.
Phillips overhit a pass to Forrest to take the momentum out of a promising attack. Holland quickly worked their way from the left-back position to the right wing and Ryan Babbel crossed for Depay to knock home from what looked like an offside position inside the six-yard box.
Scotland continued to get encouragement going forward. Ryan Fraser almost scored seconds after coming on as a 71st-minute sub when he shot inches wide before Phillips made a mess of a free header in the last minute. THERE are times when Roy Keane accompanies a compliment with a caveat.
The reminder a player still has areas where he can improve, or a warning that he should not get carried away with praise.
But it’s safe to say that Irish management are pretty content with Shane Duffy right now. The Republic of Ireland assistant struggled to disguise it when the recent performances of the centre-half were raised in discussion earlier this week.
In fact, he indicated that his ascension has been a talking point amongst the Irish staff.
“It’s strange you asking me that question,” he said. “Because we were just discussing it 20 minutes ago watching him training and I thought, ‘Yeah, the lad’s done well’.”
That is high praise in Keane speak, and it’s hard to argue with the conclusion he deserves it.
In Cardiff last month, Duffy was in the right place on a consistent basis when Wales pumped balls into the box. Fittingly enough, he can be described as the rising star in the Republic’s dressing room.
Throughout the O’Neill and Keane era, they have faced questions about the dearth of Irishmen making an impact at Premier League level.
Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady have made steps forward this time, yet they were roundly tipped to get there. You sense that Duffy has been a bit more of a pleasant surprise.
Both the manager and assistant have referred to a trip to watch Duffy on loan at Yeovil and it’s clear from their observations that they felt he was a work in progress. They also spoke about that as they watched proceedings in Abbotstown.
“We were talking about how well he has done over the last few years. I think I saw Shane when he was on loan at Yeovil, playing against Brighton,” said Keane, breaking into a smile. “He’s done well considering where he was three years ago.
“He deserves credit and the fact he is playing most weeks in the Premier League would be a huge help to him. He will improve.
“I know you have to start somewhere — Everton, out on loan at Yeovil, getting his move to Blackburn, a move to Brighton and you’re thinking, ‘They’ve got promoted, will they step up to the plate?’
“He’s doing really well there, and obviously Chris (Hughton) is looking after him. It’s good to see any young Irish player stepping up to the plate.”
The stats speak for themselves. After a slightly shaky start, Brighton have adapted to their new surroundings and