The real reason behind nightmare Scotland winless run as forgotten controversy is worrying turning point

Michael Stewart reckons that Scotland's confidence has fallen away since Scott McTominay was famously denied the opening goal against Spain in European qualifying.

Defeat to Northern Ireland at Hampden takes Steve Clarke's winless run as boss to seven games with the opening fixture of Euro 2024 against Germany just 11 weeks away. Scotland have just two more friendly games before the tournament to revive the fortunes of the squad before the opener in Munich - with the side being booed off at Hampden for their dismal display against Michael O'Neill's side.

And while boss Clarke insisted there was no need to panic just yet - former Scotland cap Stewart was hovering over the panic button. He reckons that Scotland have been on a slide since the Manchester United star McTominay saw his stunning effort in Seville controversially chalked off.

The goal was chopped off by controversial ref Serdar Gozubuyuk after he studied replays on the pitch side monitor at VAR’s request. Speaking to Viaplay, Stewart said: "The concern is that we didn't look like we were going to break Northern Ireland down.

"The general performance level wasn't what we have seen. Of course you have got to get back to not conceding goals generally but of late it hasn't been good enough. We have to be more structured and solid defensively.

"The bigger concern for me was you didn't see McTominay and McGinn getting on the ball enough. We didn't see much penetration in the wide areas and we didn't look like we were going to create much opportunities in the game which is not something that you can accuse them of on Friday (against the Netherlands) or throughout the campaign.

"It just feels like ever since the McTominay free-kick against Spain when all the little