Scotland slumped to a 1-0 defeat by Northern Ireland in a dispiriting evening for the national team at Hampden.
The Tartan Army were looking for a response following a 4-0 defeat by the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night but were shocked when midfielder Conor Bradley fired in for the visitors after 32 minutes. The home side picked up the pace after the break but could not break down Michael O’Neill’s determined side, who stood firm to register Northern Ireland’s first win in Mount Florida in almost 50 years.
Scotland have not been on a seven-game winless run since August 2004 to March 2005 and they take on Gibraltar and Finland in June friendlies before they face hosts Germany in the Euro 2024 opener at the Allianz Arena. Somehow they need to regain their groove or there could be more pain to come.
Here are the player ratings on a tough night in Glasgow:
5. Nathan Patterson
Not a night to remember for the Everton right-back. His poor mistake led to Conor Bradley's goal when he slackly passed the ball straight to him from the byline. Looked rattled for a spell but regained composure without excelling in the second half. 4 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
6. Billy Gilmour
The deep-lying playmaker saw a lot of the ball but like a percussionist shorn of a drumstick, he was unable to set a strong enough tempo for Scotland in possession. Booked for a late tackle on Shea Charles and made way for Kenny McLean. 5 Photo: Jane Barlow
7. Scott McTominay
Plenty of spade work but so often Scotland's goalscoring hero from midfield was unable to dig Scotland out of a hole. Played a largely peripheral role. 5 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
8. Andy Robertson
The Scotland captain's evening ended prematurely due to an ankle injury following a Trai Hume tackle. The Liverpool left-back looked disconsolate coming off on 36 minutes and his fitness will be a concern to both club and country. Lewis Ferguson replaced him as Scotland switched to a back four. n/a Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group