Matt finish seals first win for Eck
MATT PHILLIPS kickstarted Alex McLeish’s second Scotland reign as his first international goal sealed victory over Hungary.
The West Brom winger converted wing-back Ryan Fraser’s low cross in the 48th minute as he grew into his centre-forward role.
Skipper Charlie Mulgrew earlier had a penalty saved as Scotland produced an encouraging performance in Budapest, although Allan McGregor made several good saves for the visitors.
Celtic centre-back Jack Hendry had an assured debut after replacing the injured Grant Hanley in a three-man defence, following Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Hampden to Costa Rica.
Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna hopes they can now build on their first victory since McLeish’s return.
He said: “They got the ball forward near the end and tried to batter us about, but we stood strong and keeping a clean sheet was important after conceding the other night.
“It was very important to get the win, but it is even more important that we build on it from now on.”
McKenna was handed his debut by McLeish against Costa Rica on Friday and kept his place in Scotland’s defence in Budapest.
He said: “It is a massive achievement for me just to be here.”
Scotland took the lead inside three minutes of the restart when Phillips met Fraser’s cross and fired home first time.
Scotland remained on top, but had a warning on the hour mark when Roland Varga was allowed to work his way inside and loop a long-range strike, which McGregor tipped over.