The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
How the Scots fared in Nicosia
David Marshall:
Made some fairly routine saves and could do nothing about George Efrem’s volleyed equaliser. 6
Liam Palmer: Put in a decent shift with some penalty-box challenges just about putting off the Cypriots at two good chances. 6
Declan Gallagher: The debutant gave Scotland aerial strength at the back and twice stopped the hosts getting headers on goal. Decent with the ball too. 7
Scott Mckenna: Had some shaky moments, notably when turned by Efrem when the forward hit the bar early on. 6
Greg Taylor: Delivered an excellent cross for John Mcginn’s winner and did not look like a man who had only played once in three months. 7 Ryan Jack: Passed the ball about well and gradually offered more protection to his back four. 6
Callum Mcgregor: Made some good interceptions and moved the ball around well. 6 Ryan Christie:
Curled home a superb opener and again looked comfortable on the ball throughout. 8
John Mcginn: Swept home the winner first time and set up Christie for the opener. Not always accurate with his passing but was a handful for Cyprus. 7
James Forrest: Did not look comfortable on the left wing and rarely got in behind but did not waste possession. 6
Steven Naismith:
Only played his first 90 minutes since February last weekend and the skipper did not look sharp on his 50th international appearance. Fell over when presented with his best chance and appeared to strain a leg before going off on the hour mark. 5 Substitutes:
Oli Mcburnie (for Naismith, 62): Often outmuscled by the home defenders and could not make an impact in the final third. 4
Oliver Burke (for Forrest, 72): Put in one dangerous cross. 5 Michael Devlin (for Christie, 90): Brought on to help Scotland see out the final few minutes.