Steve Clarke demands Scotland 'perfection' and warns stars to cut out the slackness against Spain

Steve Clarke hailed Scotland's dream start in the Euro 2024 qualifiers - but warned his players to cut out the slackness against Spain.

A 3-0 victory at Hampden over Group A bottom dogs Cyprus got the campaign off to a flyer. A first half John McGinn strike and Scott McTominay’s late double secured a vital three points on the road to Germany. But the manager says his side thought it was too EASY at times against the Cypriots. And with the Spaniards up next in Glasgow on Tuesday night, Clarke insists any slackness will be punished.

After a comfortable victory, the manager said: “It’s a good start to the group with three points. There were some good things and other bits we need to get better at. But overall, it was very pleasing. It’s nice to start the campaign with what looks like a comprehensive home win with a 3-0 scoreline.

“I thought we were really good for half an hour. But then I just felt we got a little bit sloppy and casual. I told them at half-time: ‘Maybe you feel it’s a bit too easy - but it’s not because the scoreline says it’s not’.

“I just felt we didn’t get our press quite right and it’s something we’ll have to be better at on Tuesday night against top quality opposition. It’s something we can work on. Normally our press is pretty good, especially at home. But I didn’t like it today and the fact we got casual in possession, feeling like it was too easy for us.

“The headlines should still be positive, though. It’s a better start than we’ve had to a European Championship campaign in a long time.

“Against the teams seeded lower than you, it’s important to pick up maximum points at home. It’s a really good start but we have to try and back it up on Tuesday against the Spanish.

“Cyprus were organised but we