There have been few Scottish gamers up to now decade who’ve acquired as a lot hype as winger Ben Doak.
So it was encouraging for followers of the nationwide facet to have the 18-year-old described as a “standout” by former Scotland defender Willie Miller within the defeat by Croatia on his first begin and simply second cap.
Enjoying on the suitable wing in Zagreb, the diminutive attacker carried the combat to Croatia together with his potential to dribble ahead at tempo.
His driving run at Manchester Metropolis’s Josko Gvardiol and cross within the first half ended with Ryan Christie scoring, albeit with some assist from a poor clearance.
Regardless of being the youngest participant to start out a aggressive match for Scotland since Willie Johnston in 1965, he didn’t look overawed or cowed.
Doak touched the ball in Croatia’s field greater than every other Scotland participant and had extra productive dribbles as nicely.
The previous Celtic participant, who’s at present on mortgage at Middlesbrough from Liverpool, was one of many brilliant factors in one other Scotland defeat, their fourth in a row.
“It is the willingness to take gamers on, take strain off your staff, and drag your facet up the pitch,” former Scotland ahead James McFadden stated on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound.
“When he will get into the ultimate third, he cannot get it proper each time, however he’s a risk.
“We talked about his age and bringing that freshness, you assume it’ll be uncooked as a result of we’ve not seen a whole lot of him.
“However he is making good selections to carry his place and run in behind and never getting too excited and dashing issues.”
