Anthony Ralston play starring role stars as Scotland cruise to victory over Armenia in Nations League opener

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon was a spectator for the most part as Anthony Ralton and Scott McKenna headed home their first Scotland goals in a match totally dominated by Steve Clarke’s much-changed side.

Celtic defender Ralston, making his first start for the national team, was a stand-out performer at right wing back along with John McGinn in midfield as the Scots carved open their opponents at will.

It was Scotland’s first meeting with Armenia, but they will face them again in Yerevan next week after a trip to Dublin this weekend to take on the Republic Ireland.

Those two fixtures will surely be much tougher assignments than this one, Scotland controlling the first half and staying on the front foot in the second. They created plenty of chances to lift the Tartan Army after last week’s disappointing World Cup exit. The only thing that was missing from an accomplish performance was more goals.

McGinn, an energetic presence in the middle of the pitch who always wanted the ball, had about half a dozen efforts, the the best of them crashing off the underside of the bar. The goal he deserved did not arrive, but the former Hibs midfielder’s contribution was immense.

He was well aware this was a game Scotland simply had to win, kickstarting a new campaign which could well provide Scotland’s best route through to the next major tournament, Euro 2024.

Armenia are a lowly 92nd in the world rankings, 53 places below Scotland in 39th, but had shown that they are capable of causing an upset in the Nations League by beating Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their opener last weekend.

It was hailed as "one of the greatest victories" in Armenia's history by 66-year-old head coach Joaquin Caparros, who had presided over a humiliating 9-0