Scott Brown gives Craig Levein's Scotland the ideal start

Published on Wednesday 3 March 2010 22:30

CRAIG Levein last night gained a pre-European Championships boost as Scotland gained a victory over a team they meet again in their forthcoming Group I qualifying campaign.

• Scotland midfielder Scott Brown is congratulated by Kenny Miller after scoring the match-winning goal against the Czech Republic at Hampden. Picture: SNS

Levein watched Scott Brown, a fellow Fifer, hand Scotland the win over Czech Republic with a 62nd minute winner, and also heard the supporters roar their acclaim as Kris Boyd entered the fray moments later as substitute.

It was a perfect night for the new manager, who – unusually in the run-up to a friendly match – had stressed prior to the fixture that the result meant everything. "This result was really important," he emphasised again last night. It is Scotland's first victory in a friendly at Hampden Park since an Ally McCoist winner earned a 1-0 win against Australia in 1996.

But one concern is the feeling that Scotland cannot be so fortunate again, although supporters of the international team might argue that such has been the extent of agonies across the years there is still plenty of luck left in the bank.

• Scottish player ratings for Scotland v Czech Republic

Levein's side hung on as Czech Republic, who Scotland face again in competitive action in October, took control of the match from the very start.

The flow towards the Scotland goal was only briefly interrupted by Brown's strike on 62 minutes, with Boyd already preparing to make an appearance from the substitutes' bench. By the time he did come onto the field Scotland were 1-0 up and the fans were in the right mood to welcome someone who it was feared might divide the support.

Boyd made his first appearance in a Scotland shirt since walking out on George Burley's squad in October 2008, and last night drew praise from Levein for his contribution in the closing stages of the match. The manager also applauded the Scotland fans.

"It didn't seem as though there was anyone booing," said Levein,. "But maybe I just didn't hear it. I was pleased with the reaction. I thank the supporters for the way they handled the situation."

Levein up-braided himself for the slow start made by Scotland. He suggested he had been too keen to emphasise the defensive responsibilities of his players in the two days leading up to the match. Scotland rarely looked a threat in the first-half and struggled directly after the interval.

"I feel as though as I am partly responsible for the first 25 minutes," he said.

"Before the game I made sure they knew more about their defensive duties. Sometimes when you speak to players about defensive duties they feel they do not have a licence to go forward." He noted the adventure shown by full-backs Alan Hutton and Lee Wallace after this initial difficult spell.

"It's been a positive experience," Levein added. "We are trying to build some harmony and momentum before the qualifying games. We have good a group of players. There have not been many recent experiences of leaving here with a smile on their faces. They can go back to their clubs with a smile on their face now. That's important. The next time there is a squad gathering the players will have had a positive experience and will be desperate to come back."

For Levein, too, it was a night to remember. He admitted he had been surprisingly nervous before kick-off and said this was part of the reason why he appeared so calm when Scotland scored. The manager barely flinched when Brown struck the first goal of the new era. He wondered whether he had forgotten how to celebrate.

"Maybe it's because I have not been on the touchline for about three months," he said.

"It's also because it means so much to me. I felt much more nervous than normal. When we scored it was more relief for me than anything else.

"I don't know why I didn't celebrate. I am not kidding anyone on – I know it's a friendly match. If it's a goal to qualify for the European Championships then you might see a different face."

Related articles:

Not pretty, but victory is step in right direction

Kris Boyd vows to repay fans for backing him

Scott Brown steals limelight from returning Kris Boyd

Fortunate timing allows Kris Boyd to return with minimum fuss

Kirk Broadfoot eager to force his way back into national team

In pictures: Scotland 1 - 0 Czech Republic