Facing intense criticism was not new for Scotland head coach Steve Clarke when his dejected players left Germany to the sound of a Bavarian oompah band after a deflating Euros campaign in the summer. Similarly, the heaps of praise now coming his way for revitalising the side following Andy Robertson's last-gasp winner in Warsaw is familiar too. An ability to bounce back from adversity is one of Clarke's key qualities - and the nation appear to be benefitting from that resilient mentality once again after ending their Nations League campaign with wins over Croatia and Poland.
The Scots will have to navigate a relegation play-off in March to ensure they remain with the big hitters, but a formation shift - coupled with the addition of teenage winger Ben Doak - has refreshed a team many suggested had hit their ceiling. But six Nations League games later, Scotland have shown visible signs of progression against higher-ranked opposition and the feelgood factor has been restored among the Tartan Army. "The players didn't lose belief and I didn't lose belief in the players," Clarke said.
"The more you play at this level, the more you learn how to win the games and we've proven that." In the face of the media, at least, it is probably just as well Clarke does not get too high or too low given this is not the first time he has been in this situation. Post-match in Warsaw, he said the dramatic win was "just another step on the journey" as he eyes a third major tournament.
The former Wes.
