Scotland 2-1 Belarus PLAYER RATINGS: Whose clinical finish was crucial? What should Gannon-Doak do better? Which experienced defender was caught out twice?

Scotland made mighty hard work of securing the victory against Belarus that gives them a strong chance of qualifying for the World Cup finals.

Goals by Che Adams and Scott McTominay took their points tally to 10 from four games, but it was a poor display by Steve Clarke’s side.

Expected to beat the Group C minnows comfortably, they laboured badly and were relieved to hear the final whistle at a subdued Hampden Park.

A late goal by substitute Hleb Kuchko underlined the deficiencies of a Scotland side who were lethargic and careless throughout.

While they are now within two games of reaching next summer’s finals in North America, they will have to perform infinitely better away to Greece and at home to Denmark.

Paul Forsyth assesses the performances of the players.

Angus Gunn – 6

Not much to do until stoppage time when he was helpless to prevent the late goal. One careless pass went unpunished.

Anthony Ralston – 5

Decent enough in possession but looked too vulnerable to balls in behind. He and Hendry weren’t tight enough.

Jack Hendry - 5

His sharp ball into Adams’ feet set up the opener. Bouts of slackness would have been punished by better opponents.

Scott McKenna – 6.5

Positionally and physically, was better than his defensive colleagues. Used his body well and won most of his duels.

Andy Robertson – 5

Only sporadic bursts forward. Caught on his heels twice — for the disallowed ‘equaliser’ and for the visitors’ consolation.

Billy Gilmour – 6.5

His short, quick passes in a deep-lying role rarely broke the lines. Not enough of his work was in dangerous areas.

Kenny McLean – 6

Didn’t do a whole lot wrong, but a more dynamic midfielder was needed. Threatened once with a weak shot wide.

Ben Gannon-Doak – 7.5

The brightest spark again. Spun away from opponents and beat his marker repeatedly. Let down by his decision-making.

Scott McTominay - 6

Had a quiet game until near the end, when the ball broke to him in the box and he hooked in the second with his left foot.

John McGinn - 5.5

Playing out on the left, he didn’t exert his usual influence. Had a crisp, right-foot shot parried by the goalkeeper.

Che Adams – 7

Two nice touches and a clinical finish produced the vital opener. Had a second disallowed for offside.

Substitutes:

Tierney (for Ralston 72), Souttar (Hendry 72), Miller (Gilmour 88), Dykes (Adams 88), Bowie (Gannon-Doak 90).

Steve Clarke – 5

Questions will be asked. Why two sitting midfielders? Why the wait to make subs?

BELARUS (4-4-1-1): Lapoukhov 6; Pigas 5 (Melnichenko 56), Parkhomenko 6 (Demchenko 90), Martyynovich 6, Zabelin 6; Malashevich 6 (Kuchko 83), Ebonh 6, Yablonski 6 (Karpovich 90), Pechenin 6; Gromyko 6 (Korzun 83); Barkovski 7.

Booked: Pechenin, Ebong.

Referee: M Barbu (Rom) 7.

Attendance: 49,346.