Scotland’s defeat was no debacle but Steve Clarke will be frustrated

Steve Clarke seemed slightly irked at entering Hampden Park’s auditorium to strains of laughter. Scotland’s World Cup push had, after all, just been comprehensively halted by the outstanding players of Ukraine. What had been pointed out among journalists was that the sides must meet again on Nations League business. “I forgot about that,” said one. “That’s another couple of humpings to look forward to.” Dark humour used to be essential when following Scotland.

It is to Clarke’s credit that the mood music has been altered so significantly, and likewise that the reaction to Scotland’s showing against the Ukrainians has been so scathing. With the raising of standards comes the raising of expectation. There is nothing wrong with that. There is, however, always a danger in Scotland that exaggeration of language – in positive and negative senses – distorts the truth.

Clarke does not subscribe to the theory that Ukraine rode a wave of emotion when winning in Glasgow. Scotland’s manager explained the loss in strictly football terms. He was entitled to; there were fundamental reasons not at all linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine why his team failed to shine on their big night.

While Ukraine’s players were in the midst of a training camp, Grant Hanley was part of a Norwich defence that ultimately conceded 84 Premier League goals. Billy Gilmour’s loan spell at the same club was disastrous. Negativity around Manchester United was so unrelenting that Scott McTominay had to be affected. John McGinn’s form at Aston Villa has split opinion. Lyndon Dykes last scored for Queens Park Rangers on 29 January. Scott McKenna was man of the match as Nottingham Forest earned promotion via the playoff final but a delayed arrival in Scotland on