What have we learned from trip?

Courier Sport looks at four things we learned from the post-season challenge matches.

1. Plenty of positives, despite results: Mcleish left out a clutch of regulars from his initial squad and then was hit by calloffs. It was a makeshift and inexperienced squad but in both games, in which nine players in total made their debuts, the Scots kept at it and showed good spirit.

2. Celtic players will continue to dominate the squad: Due to both a long, hard season for the treble-winning Hoops and injuries, Mcleish left out Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, Callum Mcgregor, James Forrest, Leigh Griffiths and Stuart Armstrong. However, new Parkhead winger Lewis Morgan and goalkeeper Bain became full internationals during the trip and defender Jack Hendry featured against Mexico.

3. Mcleish searching for goals at international level: The absence of Griffiths leaves Scotland short on goal threat. There were only seven international goals in the original squad named by Mcleish. The situation needs addressing for the forthcoming Nations League games.

4. Ultimately, the games should not have been organised: Both post-season matches were scheduled under former SFA chief executive Stewart Regan before Mcleish took over as national team boss for the second time in February. However, with so many regulars omitted from the original squad which was further weakened by call-offs, the negativity surrounding the games increased, especially in Scotland.