Scotland impress in Poland draw as Nathan Patterson shines spotlight on Everton lack of game-time

It was not the night it could have been, let’s get that straight from the start.

The lack of jeopardy might have been good for the heart but it was a poor substitute for what was supposed to be one of the highest stakes games played at Hampden in recent times.

Of course, some might argue it was still one of the most meaningful games the old stadium has ever hosted. How much more meaning do you want than raising nearly £400,000 for humanitarian aid to Ukraine?

A donation of £10 from the sale of each ticket was given to UNICEF’s emergency aid fund and nothing – not even being denied a seventh win in a row by a debatable injury-time penalty – could deflect from the primary purpose of this hastily arranged friendly.

It was disappointing of course that Scotland could not ensure their winning momentum continues into another international year. Still, no harm done. And who knows how 2022 might end?

Kieran Tierney augmented another positive display by Steve Clarke’s side with his first goal for his country from a free-kick slung in by John McGinn, skipper for the night in the absence of Andy Robertson. “No Scotland, no party!” sang the home fans.

Scotland will be included in the World Cup draw next week although a big asterisk will be placed next to their name as well that of Ukraine and Wales, winners against Austria last night. On current form, even given the deflation of such a late equaliser, Scotland deserve their seat at the top table. But they know there is still much to do to earn it.

A Gareth Bale-inspired Wales await providing Scotland can overcome Ukraine – if and when this clash takes place.

Poland will argue that while the benevolent intentions behind staging last night's friendly were the overriding concern, the