5 things we learned from last night...

1

PRIOR to Steven Naismith’s timely intervention last night, Scotland had scored just one goal in almost ten hours of football. We aren’t exactly awash with prolific goalscorers, which made Naismith’s omission from Alex McLeish’s initial squad all the more puzzling. Naismith only got the call due to Oli McBurnie pulling out last week due to injury. But he has been in fine form for Hearts so far this season, scoring four goals in as many games for a team who boast a 100-per-cent record at the top of the table. Even at 31, Naismith still has plenty to offer his country.

2

THE team are badly out of form. It’s a horrible, dreich Monday night. A school night, if you plan on taking the kids. The opponents are Albania, hardly the most glamorous of footballing nations. Yet it’ll cost you £30 to come and watch. It’s a sales pitch that even Del Trotter would struggle with. The SFA must wisen up if they are to lift the apathy around our national team. Last night’s attendance of 17,445 was pitiful, if entirely understandable.

4

DOES anyone have a solid answer as to why Gordon Strachan showed such a stubborn reluctance to select Callum McGregor? A skilful, technically-gifted midfielder with a proven record of scoring big goals on the big occasions. Who needs them, eh? McLeish should build his midfield around the Celtic man (right).

3

STEPHEN O’DONNELL last night became the first Kilmarnock player to start a competitive match for Scotland since Ian Durrant against Estonia in 1999 — and he did himself no harm at all. O’Donnell (left) was the best right-back in the Premiership last season, excelling under the guidance of Steve Clarke. The 26-year-old made a series of excellent recovery tackles last night and, on that form, the former Partick Thistle man can expect to add to the four caps he now has.

5

IT seems remarkable that John Souttar is still only 21 years of age, given that he’s been playing top-flight football in Scotland for the past five years. Granted, Albania didn’t offer a great deal in attack, but can we really be fussy when it comes to a clean sheet? Er, no. After finally getting his chance with Scotland, there was an authority to much of what Souttar did. Long may it continue.