Steve’s resolve got the reward he deserved

Friday night’s performance against Moldova should give us all optimism that we can get at least a point tomorrow night against Denmark.

That would guarantee Scotland will be seeded for the play-off semifinal, and be back at Hampden with the chance to secure a place in the 2022 World Cup Finals in Qatar.

Defeat to the Danes might kill that off, but results elsewhere might still see us in the right half of the draw.

After the way we played during the win in Chisinau, I’ve a feeling we will get what we need.

Clearly, there is belief and a real confidence in the camp.

Considering the changes Steve Clarke was forced to make for the crucial qualifier, the players turned in a polished performance.

From early on, they worked to the game plan given to them by Steve and his staff. Their passing was crisp, and there was a real zip to their play. I thoroughly enjoyed the 90 minutes.

Nathan Patterson scored the opening goal with a sizzling leftfoot strike, and also got an assist for Che Adams to make it 2-0. The kid is a real talent.

John McGinn was also involved in both goals, and I thought he was a true driving force in the middle of the park. The link-up play between John and Nathan was superb.

Craig Gordon also played his part with a fine save in the first-half when it was still goalless.

His terrific penalty save with 10 minutes to go also made sure we avoided a nervy last period of the game, while Kieran Tierney’s follow-up tackle to clear the rebound was just as important.

Billy Gilmour, Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor also played huge roles on the night and, overall, there wasn’t a failure on show. It was wonderful.

So credit to Steve and everyone involved. To have secured a play-off place with one game to go is a fine achievement.

Remember, there was a mood of doom and gloom from many people after we were thumped in September.

There was always a chance we could lose heavily in Copenhagen, given the talent in the Denmark team.

But Steve stayed calm and focused in the aftermath, and he has been rewarded.

It was always about claiming second place in Group F and we’ve got there.

Job done. Now get a draw, or a win, tomorrow, and that will be the icing on the cake.