John McGinn dishes out ultimate bum’s rush as Scotland ditch trademark on glory night – Keith Jackson's big match verdict

Just when Ukraine thought they had dealt with everything that could possibly be thrown at them.

Just when it seemed the spirit which has carried their nation through unspeakable horrors was about to break the sporting resolve of Scotland for a second time in four months. Just when Steve Clarke and his players were running out of ways to dismantle their defences.

John McGinn resorted to the very last resort available. And he brought them down with his BUM. McGinn’s trademark turn might be a throwback to the days of Kenny Dalglish but Ukraine didn’t see it coming and when it did, it reduced them to pieces as the skipper fired home a vital opening goal with time fast running out. Two late goals from sub Lyndon Dykes made it look comfortable on the night. But this was a win which Scotland could not have more richly deserved, given the performances all over the pitch.

Clarke sprung a major surprise before kick-off. He had chosen this moment – one of enormous importance given the circumstances – to do away with his trademark three-at-the-back formation. By reverting to a flat four, he moved Scott McTominay ’s muscle into midfield and deployed Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Christie on either side of striker Che Adams.

It was entirely unexpected and Clarke may have been hoping that this impromptu overhaul might have messed with whatever malevolent masterplan the Ukrainians had. Once bitten, twice shy and all that. In fact, it quickly turned out to be a masterstroke of his own. First though, came the ignominy of having to listen to a predictably obnoxious element of the home support boo another trashed tribute to the Queen.

This was an unwantedly bad start to the night. Thankfully, when the game started, things quickly began to