'We're s***e at friendlies' as Steve Clarke sums up Scotland

In many ways his players had placed their manager in the ultimate no-win situation. And not just because by losing at home to a Northern Ireland side still wearing international nappies, they had also failed to record a single victory in their last seven Scotland games.

All of which would have been problematic enough for Steve Clarke to have to front up to, given they are now so close to being pitched in against the bigger boys of European football this summer. But, in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday night’s no-show at Hampden, Clarke’s situation became a lot more awkward and a great deal more complicated than simply addressing statistics and offering an honest assessment of performance levels.

Yes, it may have landed better with a dismayed Tartan Army, had the boss opted to aim a verbal blast inside his own dressing room – just as the fans had at half-time and again after the final whistle.

It might even have made Clarke feel a bit better about himself as by his own admission he’s no stranger to throwing a sulk in the wake of sub-standard results. But really, what else would it have achieved? What good would have come from Clarke letting off steam in public when he must now attempt to repair whatever damage may have been already done to their professional pride and collective confidence?

So instead – and not without risk to his own standing with the supporters – Clarke played the only card available to him. He admonished them of any blame, insisting this latest showing was nowhere near as lacklustre and concerning as it looked to everyone else.

And he bet his own reputation on these players doing what will be demanded of them when tournament time comes along in June. That’s now two wins from 19 friendlies since 2016,