Steve Clarke praises Scotland patience in comeback victory over Ireland

The Tartan Army joined their Irish counterparts for a rendition of “England’s going down” as the night got started at Hampden. By the end, the only noise came from Scotland support as they roared in delight as their team kept their Nations League promotion chase bang on track.

Both sets of punters were taking great delight in the misfortune suffered by Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions this week after they were relegated from the A League. Yet it looked like Steve Clarke ’s side had that sinking feeling too after allowing Stephen Kenny’s men to take an early lead through John Egan.

That result would have knocked them off Group B1’s top spot ahead of Tuesday’s do-or-die clash with Ukraine in Poland. But instead, it is the Scots now in full command of their destiny thanks to Jack Hendry ’s equaliser just after the break and a late Ryan Christie spot-kick.

The win means draw in Krakow will be enough to clinch the section and a guaranteed play-off spot for Euro 2024.

The only down side to a night that saw stand-in skipper John McGinn win his his 50th cap was a suspected concussion that could rule Arsenal star Kieran Tierney out of the Ukraine rematch.

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