Scotland grumblers remain Steve Clarke cynics as not everyone believes after Ukraine triumph - Hotline

Better late than never, they say. Well not if you’re one of the Hotline grouches who can see the gloom in any situation.

Sensational Scotland swept to the top of their Nations League section as they rocked past Ukraine at Hampden after John McGinn’s opener and a brace off the bench from Lyndon Dykes sealed a dominant victory. But for some, it was just a reminder of the failure by Steve Clarke and his team to get the job done when they met back in the summer in the World Cup play-offs.

Brian Keenan, Torquay, was first the first grumbler on the line, saying: “It’s a bit late in the day celebrating Scotland’s victory when it should have been done in the World Cup qualifiers. Clarke should have been sacked after that game when he put out the wrong team.” Celtic fan Eddie Easson, Ballingry , called in on a similar theme as he said: “Great result for Scotland last night as Clarke got it right this time. With a flat-back four, Scott McTominay in his best position we produced some fast-flowing football - dare I compare it to Ange-Ball!

“But why oh why wasn't this done earlier? Had Clarke set up like this back in June we could have been going to Qatar. Now the big but if is will Clarke revert back? You can never second guess him.”

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, at least showed a more optimistic outlook as he said: “Super sub Dykes fires Scotland to the top of the table with a double in the Nations League as they sink Ukraine at Hampden. Let’s hope they avoid defeat to the Irish and Ukraine in the return game, then it's time for Scotland to ‘McGinn’ looking out their passports to the Euros 2024!”

Kenny Wilson,Moffat, added: “Tremendous performance from Scotland, totally dominating the game for the whole 90 minutes, The final