Scots hang on to beat makeshift Czech Republic.

CZECH REPUBLIC 1 SCOTLAND 2: Scots top group after beating makeshift hosts

Scotland made hard work of narrowly seeing off a young Czech Republic team thrown together at the last minute.

But captain Andy Robertson believes the result was all that mattered after an uncertain few days for Steve Clarke’s men.

There were doubts over the weekend whether the Nations League clash would even go ahead so emerging with a 2-1 victory in Olomouc represented success in the former Dundee United defender’s eyes.

Robertson, who earned Ryan Christie a penalty to clinch all the points after Lyndon Dykes had cancelled out an early Czech strike, said: “Any international game is tough and we fell behind after they came out fast.

“After that we settled down, got up front and defended well in the last 10 minutes. It’s three points and we can’t complain.

“We were on a hiding to nothing but we’re five games unbeaten and top of the group. Let’s take some positives.”

Dykes, now up-and-running as a Scotland goalscorer, added: “It’s good for a striker to get off the mark.

“I was happy to contribute to the boys getting a 2-1 win and taking three points back to Scotland.

“These were my first internationals with Scotland and I’ve really enjoyed them. Hopefully there are many more to come.”

Manager Clarke told Sky Sports: “The first thing you start with is the Czech Republic. I’ve got to pay the coach and the players a big compliment.

“It would have been a fairytale night for them – for us, we were always on a hiding to nothing.

“Everyone told us before the start of the game we had to win the game so we won the game, we take the three points and go home.

“To concede the first goal is not ideal, it gives life to the opposition. After that we reacted well, scored a fantastic goal, pleased to see Lyndon get on the scoresheet.

“The second half, we got our noses in front, again a good switch of play, we got Andy in the box, it was a penalty and Ryan did what he did so both strikers scored which is good.

“You have to look at the last 15 minutes of the game in a different context. We were under the cosh, they can throw bodies forward, they have nothing to lose.

“We lacked a little bit of quality to get the third on the counter-attack which would have taken the sting out of the situation.

“But the way we defended, getting the blocks in and bodies on the line, shows a big commitment from the lads to their country.

“They knew they had to get a result for their country and they did everything to get it.”

Picture: PA. Scotland scorers Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes celebrate after the latter scored his first goal for his country to equalise.