The Scotsman

HOW THE PLAYERS RATED

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ALLAN MCGREGOR

6

As comfortabl­e a night as the goalkeeper is likely to have. Such was Scotland’s dominance and the blunt nature of Albania’s attack, the Rangers No 1 had very little to do all match and did what he had to do well. CALLUM PATERSON

6

Possibly fortunate to stay on the pitch in the first half after being booked early on and understand­ably struggled at right-back having featured primarily as a striker for Cardiff this season. He’s not the answer on the right. SCOTT MCKENNA

6

The Aberdeen centre-half was booked for a strong challenge but had very little to do otherwise. The hosts did fashion a couple of chances and Mckenna was caught under a free-kick, but there was little to worry about. DAVID BATES

8

Perhaps unfortunat­e to be booked in the second half but otherwise it was a comfortabl­e debut for the Hamburg defender. Did not look out of place, albeit against a poor Albania attack, and was a threat in the box at the other end. ANDREW ROBERTSON

7

The Liverpool man did not bomb forward as he often does on club duty, but stood up for his side when things got fiery in the first half. Brilliant delivery from out wide as ever and the skipper was able to flourish in his normal position. JAMES FORREST

8

Brought his club form into the internatio­nal arena and finally got himself a Scotland goal, before doubling up. Made a smart run for his first goal and the second was brilliantl­y taken, teeing himself up before an emphatic finish.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

7

Given the responsibi­lity of a deeper role that he has been occupying with Celtic and was discipline­d throughout. Scotland struggled for possession in the first half but he was keen to sit in and let the others go forward. Quality player. STUART ARMSTRONG

7

Linked things well in the middle of the field and looked a threat when joining the attack, combining well with Steven Fletcher. His free-kick won the penalty in the first period before he was given a rest with half an hour to go. RYAN CHRISTIE

8

Two assists for the in-form Celtic midfielder, who is seizing his chance for both club and country. Wasteful at times in the first half but was at the centre of everything that was good about Scotland. Has a real eye for a pass. RYAN FRASER

8

Full of confidence at the moment having started the season so well for Bournemout­h, and relished being given a more attacking role in the side. The winger took his goal brilliantl­y and was a constant threat down the left. STEVEN FLETCHER

7

Led the line well on his return to the national team after a year away. Linked well with the midfield, held the ball up and got his goal from the penalty spot. He could yet be the answer to Alex Mcleish’s striking woes. SUBSTITUTE­S

SCOTT MCTOMINAY: Hit the bar with a shot when he should have scored. 5 MATT PHILLIPS: Couldn’t get into the game. Flashed one chance over. 5 JOHNNY RUSSELL: Squared unselfishl­y for Mctominay. Booked late on. 5

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