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.”
[(Real Madrid CF) Strength]: 1. Real Madrid CF finished 2nd last season and hope to regain the La Liga title this season. This summer, the team boosted their squad strength. Thus, they are motivated to secure the first win in this opener at home.2. Real Madrid CF's two veteran stalwarts, Modric and Lucas Vazquez, have departed one after another. During the offseason, the club signed Trent Alexande...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. What should we do, guys? EPL 1st Wek !! Sesko vs Gyokeres lastnight They must communicate using sign language… Arsenal fans for the 6th year in a row Chelsea dropped points ? Chelsea really do sign anyone these days...Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, NoContextChe1)...
Liverpool cool Rodrygo interest after Chiesa's goal heroicsLiverpool have been linked with Rodrygo amid reports he is free to leave Madrid this summer. But after Federico Chiesa came off the bench to score in the Reds' 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday, The Mirror states that the Italian will stay at Anfield and a Rodrygo pursuit is unlikely.Palace line-up move for Eze replacement from PL rivalsS...
Chelsea Open to Loaning Out Raheem Sterling Again After Arsenal StrugglesChelsea are reportedly prepared to send Raheem Sterling out on loan once more with permanent transfer options dwindling, following the winger’s underwhelming stint at Arsenal.According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are increasingly willing to let the 30-year-old leave on loan again following his disappointing spell at Arsen...
DONE DEAL: Bournemouth Confirm Signing of Ben Doak From LiverpoolBournemouth have officially confirmed the signing of highly rated winger Ben Doak from Liverpool.The 19-year-old has left his boyhood club to join Bournemouth for a reported fee of 325 million, signing a five-year deal.Doak impressed during his loan spell with Championship side Middlesbrough last season, scoring three goals and provi...
Brentford RAISE Asking Price for Newcastle United Target Yoane WissaBrentford have reportedly raised their asking price for Yoane Wissa with Newcastle United interested in signing the striker this summer.Newcastle are understood to be interested in signing the 28-year-old as speculation surrounds the future of Alexander Isak.According to The Standard, Brentford have made a potential deal harder by...
Chelsea Transfer Issues Stall Alejandro Garnacho Signing Amid Nkunku Exit DelaysChelsea’s pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly being held up due to the club not yet finding a permanent home for Christopher Nkunku.According to The Sun, Chelsea’s ‘steep’ asking price for the 27-year-old is stopping them from making more signings this summer.It’s understood that E...
Crystal Palace Eye Shock Move for Wolves Star as Tottenham Close in Eberechi EzeCrystal Palace are reportedly exploring a surprise move for Wolves player Hwang Hee-chan as Tottenham edge closer to securing Eberechi Eze.According to Sky Sport CH, Tottenham are expected to have their 360 million bid for the 27-year-old accepted by Crystal Palace.Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Eze fe...
Inter Milan Plot Shock Move for Man United Goalkeeper Andre Onana After Amorim SnubInter Milan are reportedly considering a surprise move to bring Andre Onana back from Man United after Ruben Amorim left him out of their squad vs Arsenal.According to The Sun, the Italian giants are keeping tabs on the 29-year-old as speculation grows surrounding his future at Old Trafford.Onana joined Man United f...
RB Leipzig Send Chelsea Transfer Warning as Xavi Simons Deal StallsChelsea’s pursuit of Xavi Simons faces uncertainty as RB Leipzig tell them he will only leave if it 'makes sporting and financial sense.'The 22-year-old is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, turning down reported interest from Bayern Munich and Man City.Chelsea are yet to agree a fee with RB Leipzi...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 3 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 4 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 5 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 6 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 7 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 8 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 9 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 10 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss