Steve Clarke was delighted that every single Scotland player contributed to a "well-earned" point against Portugal at Hampden Park. 

The national team endured intense pressure throughout the 90 minutes yet they still looked a threat on the counter-attack, with only the killer instinct letting them down. 

Substitute Rafael Leao had the opportunity to win the match for Portugal in added time, but a brave block from Scotland debutant Nicky Devlin helped register a credible draw - their first in Group A1 - against strong opposition. 

Scotland head coach Clarke praised the work rate of his men, who had to dig deep to keep out Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

"The point was important for us after the work we've put into the group, to get off the mark in the Nations League is nice," he said. 

"I'm pleased, we were defensively sound, the shape of the team was good, we denied a lot of space in behind since Portugal played a lot in front of us.

“I thought we showed good concentration in the box, determined defending at times, we put in some really good blocks, which you have to do against a team like Portugal, and when you needed a couple of big saves your goalkeeper is there as well. 

"So everybody contributed to what is a well-earned point."

Read more:

A lot has been said about Scotland's confidence taking a hit with this result making the statistics read one win in 16 for Clarke's side.

Form like that would see most bosses sacked in domestic football, however Clarke insists the belief is there with Scotland keeping a clean sheet this time around and only losing the previous three matches at this level by a single-goal margin. 

"Their confidence has been fine because they know that they can play well," he continued.

"Maybe with the ball tonight, we didn't play quite as well as we normally do. I think a lot of the missed passes were probably down to fatigue because I asked a lot of the same boys to do a double-header in the games. 

"I don't think they lack confidence, obviously tonight's point against one of the top European side's is going to give them more confidence, or even more confidence, going into the November games, and we go into those games determined to get more points on board." 

On Devlin's last-ditch block late in the game, Clarke admitted the Aberdeen right-back’s vital touch arguably helped Scotland get over the line.

"Fantastic,” he described the incident. “First cap for Nicky. A moment to remember. He got us a point with that block.

“I had no doubt putting Nicky into the game. He's trained well and fitted right into the group. I knew when Tony (Ralston) was ready to come off that Nicky would be fine - and he was."

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for the hosts and added: "Steve Clarke is building a national team that looks like a club and that's a big, big compliment.

"Everybody works for each other, they know the structure. They're brave when they have to be, they've got quick attacks.

"Full credit to Steve Clarke and the technical staff, they're doing a great job."

(Image: PA)

The ex-Everton and Wigan Athletic gaffer went on to credit Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon for denying his star-studded squad an elusive winner as he took pride in Portugal’s current unbeaten run.

"Their goalkeeper was incredible,” he stated. “We couldn't get a goal, but the performance was positive. Not many teams go undefeated. 

"My responsibility is to look at new concepts. Results are a consequence of performances and, tonight, we deserved to win.

"The danger in these games is to think you're in control and then suffer on the counter-attack. We kept a clean sheet, we were in control, but we lacked the final pass and the magic inside the area."