Kelly optimistic despite stalemate start for under-21s

SCOTLAND under-21 midfielder Liam Kelly is optimistic his team can improve as their Uefa qualifying campaign progresses after an uninspiring goalless opener against Bulgaria.

Billy Stark’s men were held at St Mirren Park on Monday night after struggling to break down an organised visiting team.

Impressive Dundee United midfielder Scott Allan created several decent chances for himself and others but Bulgaria threatened on the break after the restart and held on comfortably in the final stages.

The Scots had gone into the game with hopes high following their 3-0 friendly win over Norway last month but they are now under pressure to win their two matches next month. Scotland travel to Luxembourg before hosting Austria as they look to keep pace with favourites the Netherlands. Kelly said: “I thought they were extremely organised.

“They did set themselves up very defensively but they are playing away in an international game. They made themselves incredibly hard to break down.

“It’s disappointing for us, we would have liked to get the win.

“We thought we were the better side, especially in the first half when we created one or two clear-cut chances. If we had capitalised on them it could have been a different game. Unfortunately it didn’t happen this time but we’ll be looking to do better in the future.”

The Kilmarnock midfielder added: “Most of the players are playing regular first-team football, which is positive. The team is still gelling, it has been a good week for us.

“It was just disappointing that we didn’t hit the form we did last time against Norway.

“I think if we had hit the form, we could have won the game.”