Steve Clarke singles out Liverpool's Andy Robertson after Scotland's 2-0 win over Armenia

Scotland manager Steve Clarke singled out his captain Andy Robertson for praise after the winning start to the UEFA Nations League campaign at Hampden.

Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna scored Scotland’s goals in the first half as they defeated Armenia 2-0, topping the embryonic Group B1 table ahead of Ukraine who defeated Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Dublin.

The Scots travel to face the Irish on Saturday before their return fixture against Armenia in Yerevan next Tuesday.

Scotland missed several chances for a more emphatic margin of victory but it was a positive response after their 3-1 defeat at home to Ukraine in the World Cup play-off semi-final last week.

Clarke handed much of the credit for the urgency of their display to Robertson and suggested the Liverpool left-back does not receive sufficient recognition for his attributes as a skipper.

“I’ve got to mention the captain,” he said. “He was outstanding in the game. He was outstanding in the dressing room before the game. Himself, John McGinn and Callum McGregor are leaders, taking us onto the pitch in a good frame of mind.

“It was three good performances from them but I thought the captain was exceptional.

“Just in general, being a captain and leader is something Andy has grown into. It’s something which doesn’t get mentioned as it should do. Captains are important at this time in the dressing room. People you are looking to step up.

“It was good – the way we approached the game, the speed of the ball, taking up the right positions against a very defensive team.

“We knew we’d have to work hard to break them down and that’s what we did. We kept trying the right thing at the right time and eventually we got the goals.

“Professional athletes have to move on. You can’t