HEROES WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE: HOW THEY PLAYED
JACK RUDDY The Wolves keeper, pictured below, didn’t have a save to make against Brazil. The 19-year-old has an interesting background, having emigrated to Spain as a child. He was unable to sign for a Spanish club because their FA changed the details on their residency rule. Returned to UK and moved to Wolves after a spell at Bury. ANTHONY RALSTON Impressive Celtic right-back has already made his debut for the Hoops and started against St Johnstone last month. Likes to bomb up the wing and assist midfielders, but he can defend all right. He has every chance of solving Scotland’s rightback problem if he continues to progress at his current rate. Very comfortable against Brazil.
0 Oliver Burke had a superb game but injured his ankle. ALEX IACOVITTI Nottingham Forest central defender who the club ADAM FRIZZELL have high hopes for. Had arguably his best game Yet another Rugby Park youngster, who was given for Scotland at a youth level, having played at all his chance because of a hamstring injury to Aberdeen’s levels from under-17s upwards. Took command Scott Wright, who has flown home. Diminutive against the South Americans and his loan spell midfielder who buzzed about the park all day at Steve Evans’ Mansfield Town appears to have looking for scraps and knock-downs. Another who toughened him up. ran himself to the ground. JAMIE MCCART Replaced Zak Jules at the back and, after a shaky start, the Celtic youngster went on to have an assured game. The son of former Motherwell stopper and current Celtic head of youth academy, Chris, he spent the end of last season on loan at Inverness. GREG TAYLOR The hero of the hour. Will take his goal against Brazil to the grave. Netted a brilliant, composed finish when he lashed the ball into the top of the net. But it wasn’t just his goal – he constantly got forward to support Oliver Burke and the Kilmarnock left-back had a fine game in an organised back four. RUBEN SAMMUT Tidy, comfortable player who tends to do less eye-catching work than others, but is hugely rated by boss Scot Gemmill. He’s been at Chelsea from the age of eight and you can see why he is now their under-23s captain. Has a great chance of winning full honours if he gets a good loan move next term. IAIN WILSON Another Killie kid who excelled against the South Americans. Played with Sammut in the heart of the engine room. Chased and pressed the Brazilians and they were forced into making mistakes. Already an important member of Lee Mcculloch’s side. KYLE MAGENNIS St Mirren midfielder made a fine start to the match and his energy proved to be a problem for the Brazilians. Supported the attack and harried the Brazil players all over the pitch. Capped a superb season with Jack Ross’ side. Tired towards the end but he put in a fine shift. CRAIG WIGHTON Dundee forward put in a good display on the left flank. Missed a really good first-half chance after Oliver Burke had set him up. But he kept his head up and offered good support for the Red Bull Leipzig star in attack. Most experienced Scot on the park in terms of first-team games. OLIVER BURKE Brazil found him simply unplayable. His power and pace is frightening and his lung-busting 50-yard runs with the ball had the South Americans in a panic. Absolutely baffling how Scotland’s most expensive player isn’t considered for the England game. Brilliant display.
SUBSTITUTES ROSS MCCRORIE Rangers youngster came on for Sammut and injected some energy into a tiring Scotland. Was ordered by Scot Gemmill to sit in front of the defence and become a nuisance to Brazil and he did that. Fresh after decent end of season on loan with Dumbarton. JORDAN HOLSGROVE The son of former Hibs midfielder Paul, the Reading youngster is only 17, but has impressed the Scotland coaching staff with his maturity. Came on for Kyle Magennis on Saturday and helped bolster the young Scots for a Brazilian onslaught at the end of the match. RYAN HARDIE The Rangers striker came on for Burke, who wasn’t pleased to come off, but had an ankle knock. But he missed a glorious one-on-one chance at the death to double Scotland’s advantage. Big season for the 20-year-old after two disappointing loan spells last term with St Mirren and Raith Rovers. JOE THOMSON The Celtic midfielder came on as a time-wasting tactic for Adam Frizzell at the end when it was all hands on deck for Scotland as Brazil desperately chased a leveller. Spent a chunk of last season on loan at Queen of the South and is now back at Parkhead.