Steve Clarke praised debutant Nicky Devlin for a vital late block that helped Scotland claim their first Nations League point in a spirited goalless draw at home to Portugal.
The 30-year-old Aberdeen right-back came off the bench for his first cap as a replacement for Anthony Ralston in the 88th minute and made a crucial challenge to stop Rafael Leao grabbing the winner in stoppage time.
The draw – gratefully received by the home players and supporters at the end as Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo stormed up the tunnel in a huff – meant Scotland avoided the ignominy of suffering five straight defeats for the first time in their history.
“It was fantastic,” Clarke said of Devlin’s contribution. “First cap for Nicky, a moment to remember.
“Basically, he got us the point with that block. He was brave. I had no doubt about putting Nicky into the game. He’s trained really well and fitted into the group.
“He’s got good experience and he’s got games under his belt. I knew when Tony was ready to come off that Nicky would be fine, and he was.”
Clarke was also indebted to 41-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon for a brilliant save to deny Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
“The fans can be nervous in a game like that when the opposition have so much possession in front of you, you’re always thinking they’re going to create a big, big chance,” said Clarke.
“When they did create the big, big chance, Craig made the save, which is the first time in a long time I’ve celebrated a goalkeeper’s save.
“I was trying to talk to John Carver and I actually celebrated it. It meant a lot to me and it meant a lot to everybody in the stadium because that’s what gets you the point.
“We spoke before the game about doing all the dirty stuff, the hard work, the ugly stuff if you like and the boys did that fantastically.
“Obviously, the point was important for us. The work we’ve put into the group to get off the mark is nice, so, yeah, it’s good.”
Scotland have won only one of their last 16 matches and have gone 10 competitive games without a win, but Clarke believes their battling draw against a side ranked eighth in the world will be of benefit as they finish their campaign against Croatia and Poland next month.
“Everybody keeps talking about their confidence, but their confidence was fine because they know they can play well,” he said.
“Obviously, tonight’s point against one of the top European sides is going to give us even more confidence going into the November games. We will go to those games determined to get more points on the board.”
Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening on his first visit to Hampden as he was snuffed out by John Souttar and Grant Hanley and heckled by the Tartan Army before storming up the tunnel while gesticulating angrily at the end after the officials blew for full-time instead of allowing his side to take a corner.
Of more pressing concern to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was the sight of a spectator invading the pitch in the second half and running at pace towards the striker before being dragged to the ground by a steward.
“Unfortunately, it happened too many times,” said Martinez. “It is not the first time. During the European Championship, we had many, many occasions.
“We know what Cristiano brings to the game, the excitement, the iconic figure, we understand that. But when you have someone jumping on the pitch with the wrong intentions, it is very dangerous.
“Absolutely I was worried but I am glad he was just left where he was.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Real Madrid vs Al Hilal With the score at 10-0 against Auckland City, Manuel Neuer started doing warm-up exercises in the middle of the field... lol International Trophies It's been a year since Kylian Mbappé broke his nose at the Euros. We never got to see the mask everyone wanted to see "A competition without Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal & Bar...
Chelsea have kicked off their Club World Cup campaign, but behind the scenes there is still serious transfer work going on.While Enzo Maresca trains his players in the USA, the transfer team are getting to work on helping build his squad.Gittens still wants Chelsea – Chelsea still want GittensThe attempts to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens before the tournament failed, but it's c...
Arsenal are in the mix to complete a surprise deal for former Manchester City player Aymeric Laporte, with a report detailing how much he will cost to sign from Al-Nassr this summer.Laporte first arrived in England in January 2018 when Man City broke their transfer record by paying Athletic Club £57million to sign him on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The centre-back went on to make 180 app...
Rafael Leao, Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola and Eberechi Eze are among Bayern Munich's potential targets after missing out on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz, sources told ESPN.Wirtz, who is currently on holiday following the UEFA Nations League finals, is set to soon complete his transfer to Liverpool, after ESPN reported last week that the Premier League champions had agree...
Man Utd and Napoli show interest in Hudson-OdoiCallum Hudson-Odoi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Chelsea in 2023, has only a year left in his existing deal. The winger had an impressive outing in the 2024-25 campaign and played a key role in the club securing a European place after 30 years away from continental competition. The 24-year-old scored five goals and provided three assists in 36 ga...
Pablo Marin of Spain and Issa Doumbia of Italy battle for the ballSpain and Italy played out a 1-1 draw in their final group game of the UEFA European U21 Championship, ensuring both nations completed it without defeat (W2, D1).With passage to the quarter-finals already sealed for both nations, this matchup was purely a fight for top spot, and it was the Spaniards who edged proceedings in the earl...
Thomas Frank was chosen among 30 candidates for the Tottenham jobTottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham has revealed that Thomas Frank was chosen among more than 30 other candidates to succeed Ange Postecoglou as manager.Tottenham chose Thomas Frank as their new head coach last week, and were made to pay London rivals Brentford 310million in the process as Franks appointment was published only days after...
Saudi clubs prepare huge bids for Tottenham captain KaneTottenham captain Son Heung-min has attracted interest from three Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of a potential summer move.The South Korea international has just 12 months remaining on his current Spurs deal and has been linked with a move away, with the North London club reportedly open to selling him this summer to cash in on the experienced...
And just like that, the transfer window is closed.Now depending on where you've been for the past few weeks, you might be asking yourself two questions:1. Is that a "Sex and the City" reference? 2. Wait, what?To the first question: Of course it is. Bring back Samantha.And to the second: With the Club World Cup kicking off this past weekend and set to stretch all the way through mid-July, FIFA gave...
LaLiga president Tebas: Barcelona cannot register Garcia - for nowLaLiga president Javier Tebas has warned Barcelona must sell to register Joan Garcia.Barca have agreed to pay goalkeeper Garcia's €25m buyout clause in his Espanyol contract.However, Tebas insists the Blaugrana do not have room in their registered budget to sign Garcia at this stage.He said, "We haven't even set dates yet, but...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 5 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 6 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 7 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 8 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 9 'If you want to understand, it's really obvious' – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino responds to Christian Pulisic, eager to move past off-field drama
- 10 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack