Five things learned from Hampden win

Scotland are one win away from the World Cup play-offs. Courier Sport looks at things learned from a crucial Hampden win as the Slovenia decider looms large.

DREAM LIVES ON FOR GORDON STRACHAN: When his team took just four points from their opening four games, it appeared the Scotland boss’s time in the hot-seat was approaching its end. But Thursday ’s last-gasp win means Strachan’s men have now dropped just two points from the last 15 available and that fightback leaves them just one win from sealing a possible play-off spot.

CHRIS MARTIN – ZERO TO HERO: Scotland’s winner may have been given as a Martin Skrtel own goal but Derby frontman Martin can feel a great deal of satisfaction after forcing the Slovakia skipper into the error. A player booed by the Tartan Army as he came on against Slovenia in March before grabbing the goal that turned the campaign around made another huge impact on Thursday as his physicality finally allowed the Scots to pin down their 10-man visitors.

CHARLIE MULGREW AND CHRISTOPHE BERRA PAIRING UP WELL: Central defence has long been regarded as the weak spot in Scotland’s armour but again against Slovakia Mulgrew and Berra proved they can be a solid partnership. The win was Scotland’s fourth clean sheet in five games but they will have to keep it just as tight tomorrow if they are to finish the job.

DARREN FLETCHER STILL HAS A ROLE TO PLAY: The former Manchester United midfielder remains Scotland’s most experienced player but their have been question marks over just how long the 33-year-old can carry on at international level. However, tasked with standing in for the injured Scott Brown, Fletcher put on a real captain’s display, with his calm leadership crucial in ensuring his team-mates did not lose their heads as the seconds slipped away.

BARRY BANNAN MISSES BIG CHANCE: Strachan was convinced to throw the Sheffield Wednesday playmaker into the side after seeing Bannan run the show for his club against Leeds last weekend. But the 27-year-old struggled to reproduce that display at Hampden. He trudged through a flat first-half performance and, while he was more energetic after the break, he may have now played himself out of contention.