RYAN JACK
He was the man who in the red of Aberdeen was called for almost on an hourly basis by the Pittodrie support to be capped for Scotland. Inside the very stadium which saw him rise to prominence, his maiden appearance in dark blue was acknowledged by a small, mindless element of this bumper crowd who for the entire first half booed his every touch. He even got jeered for having the temerity to be within five yards of the ball as it went out for a throw in.
As much as the reception given to the man who now plies his trade in the centre of midfield for Rangers – therefore explaining the parochial ire of the mindless minority – began to warm as the game went on, the performance level of Jack diminished as the game went on. Deployed at right-back in his first appearance back at Pittodrie, the unfamiliarity of playing in a position not occupied for some time didn’t look to faze Jack as he played a steady game.
His distribution was lacking at times, particularly in the second half. But it didn’t stop him from getting forward and showing for the ball any time he got the chance of getting beyond Memphis Depay. Given the lack of options at right-back, couple with Kieran Tierney’s accomplished showing once again at centre-half, Jack didn’t do himself any harm when it comes to playing himself into the team under the new Scotland manager. Whoever it is.
RYAN CHRISTIE
One of two home favourites – along with Kenny McLean – given a run out by Malky Mackay here. The stand-in Scotland manager insisted beforehand that the pair were not getting game time simply to boost bums on seats – with 17,833 pairs of cheeks being parked on this cold, November night.
Showed throughout the game just why he was there on merit, if not a bit sporadically. During his time at Aberdeen, Christie has shown almost a defiance in the way he goes about his business with an unshakable confidence only aided by the spring of youthful vigour. Up against an – ableit diminished – superpower of international football, the kid who was dazzling in Inverness only a couple of years ago showed no fear and got tore right in. Showed clever touches and turns to spin away from the likes of Daley Blind and Quincy Promes who were left in his wake.
Read more: Celtic's Kieran Tierney as Scotland captain surely just a taste of things to come?
His influence flickered in the cold wind here, but it was enough to warm the hopes for future campaigns.
CALLUM McGREGOR
The man of the moment in a Celtic strip, it’s hard to believe this was the midfielder’s first Scotland cap given the clamour to get him in the squad at the end of the failed World Cup campaign. Much like Christie, McGregor demonstrated in various moments just why he should have featured before now.
His ability to pick a pass unlocked the Dutch midfielder on numerous occasions, while his pass through the defence for Matt Phillips to make a mess off was sublime. He wasn’t scared to have a pop or two himself. Need to see more of him in a Scotland jersey.
JASON CUMMINGS
The Edinburgh patter merchant wasn’t given much time to do his talking on the park here, brought in with three minutes to go while Phillips stole more minutes in attack. Almost scored with his first touch but trundled a shot straight at Jasper Cillessen of Barcelona.
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