Souttar comeback ‘the story’ of Scotland’s victory, admits Clarke

Steve Clarke claimed comeback goal hero John Souttar was the story of Scotland’s thrilling 2-0 win over Denmark which secured home advantage in the first World Cup qualifying play-off game in March.

The Hearts defender had suffered injury problems including a relapse of an Achillesissuesincewinninghisfirst threecapsin2018andhewasa latecall-uptothesquadforthe finalGroupFgameagainstthe Danes,therunawaywinnersof the section.

Scotland were already assured of second place and a play-off spot but on a remarkable night at Hampden Park, Souttar headed the home side in front after 35 minutes and Che Adams struck late on, ensuringScotlandwillbeseeded for the draw later this month, with a home game in the semifinal assured.

Clarke said: “John Souttar can be the story of the night.

“To come back from the injuries John had, over a long period of time, it was a bonus – and I know how happy he was – just to be in the squad, and to get the chance to play tonight.

“And to play the way he did – the goal was the icing on the cake for me – his performance wasoutstanding,socongratulations to John.

“I gave him a big hug as he came off.

“It was quite emotional, you understand when you have been a player yourself andbeeninvolvedinthegame forsolonghowdifficultitisto come back so I am delighted for him.”

It was a sixth successive win for Scotland and Clarke insists he was confident that his side were well set to try to hand the Euro 2020 semi-finalists their first defeat after nine Group F wins.

Hesaid:“Weknewcoming intoitwewereinagoodplace.

“Wewantedagoodperformancetofinishwhathasbeen agoodcampaign,wemanaged to do that in front of a fantastic Hampden crowd. A good night for everybody.

“The performance level withandwithouttheballover 90 minutes was really good. We felt it was important to try to get the win that would secure the home play-off in the first leg.

"Wewillseewhatthedraw is and who we get.

“Six wins in a row is no mean feat and now unfortunately for me we go into a long hibernation.

“It means that everybody can come back here in March in a good frame of mind and pick up where we left off.”