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:
9. John McGinn
This was not a typical Scotland performance from McGinn. He was never in control of possession and had two shots, one miss-hit in the first half and another just after the break straight at Bailey Peacock-Farrell. A lot of what he tried didn't come off. Replaced by Stuart Armstrong. 5 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Ryan Christie
Could never evade the tight clutches of the Northern Ireland defence, who pressed and harried him constantly. As a result, he was blunt and largely ineffective. Replaced by Lawrence Shankland. 5 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
11. Lyndon Dykes
Given the chance to lead the line, the QPR hitman saw little of the ball in the first half. Had one small sniff a goal when latching on to a long ball but largely fed off scraps. His involvement was limited and made way for Che Adams on 69 minutes. 5 Photo: Ian MacNicol
12. Substitutes
Lewis Ferguson came on in the first half and had some nice moments, adding more attacking threat to the team. Che Adams did not see much of the ball, Kenny McLean tried to raise the pace of the game, while Stuart Armstrong won his 50th cap. Lawrence Shankland missed two decent chances to rescue a draw. Photo: Jane Barlow