The Hotline Grinch strikes again as Scotland and Steve Clarke told to wisen over gesture of hope in Cologne

The Negative Normans are feeling a little bit more positive after Scotland grabbed a Euro 2024 lifeline in Cologne.

The misery of Munich has faded after Steve Clarke’s side grabbed a vital point against Switzerland which now leaves them right in contention for the knock-outs ahead of Sunday’s do-or-die showdown with Hungary. Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Scotland's far better performance against Switzerland has the nation having faith again. The whole team were pathetic against Germany but the Swiss result gives us hope. C’mon Scotland!” Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, added: “Much more like it Scotland! Great response after the awful Germany performance. It was a tale of two headers in the second half - Grant Hanley should have scored, as should the Swiss sub. Sunday’s game is now massive!”

Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: “What a difference in Scotland’s performance. We weren't brilliant but we were committed and well structured. We looked like we knew what we were supposed to be doing and were the better team in the second half. We could have nicked it with the Hanley header. There’s still much to do and Hungary looked a descent side. We will need to shuffle again with Kieran Tierney out, but it's there for them to go for. The Fans deserve it as they’ve been brilliant. C’mon Scotland!”

As ever on the Hotline, there’s no pleasing everyone, though.

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, groaned: “Am I missing something? Steve Clarke punching the air at full time and the players doing a lap of honour! Scotland sit second bottom of the group with one point and a goal difference of minus four. The performance against Switzerland was better but let's be honest it couldn't get worse.”

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, emailed in: "On behalf of the