Scotland 1 - 0 Slovenia: How the Scotland players rated

Robert Snodgrass (left) battles for possession. Picture: SNS

Keep up to date with all our sport news on The Scotsman’s Sport page on Facebook

Not severely tested but stood up well to block shot when Roman Bezjak had free run on goal and had to be alert to deal with Russell Martin’s backpass which caused a scare.

RB - Kieran Tierney - 8

The 19-year-old continues to show immense talent for one so young. Tenacious in defence and made intelligent use of the ball going forward.

CB - Russell Martin - 7

Dangerous in Slovenia’s box from set-pieces. Denied by goalkeeper Oblak’s excellent save after only two minutes, then had a headed goal ruled out for a push.

CB - Charlie Mulgrew - 7

Although Slovenia’s attack lacked bite, the Blackburn Rovers man’s partnership with Martin gave the central defence a more solid look than we have seen for some time.

LB - Andy Robertson - 8

Made a crucial early tackle to deny Birsa inside Scotland’s penalty area. Provided a constant threat with strong running down the left flank.

RM - James Forrest - 6

A frustrating performance by the Celtic winger. A few early flashes, but flitted in and out of the game and eventually ran out of steam altogether.

CM - James Morrison - 7

Linked up well with rest of midfield. Came close to scoring on a couple of occasions in the first half. Replaced late on.

DM - Scott Brown - 6

As usual, the skipper took no prisoners. His presence helped Scotland dominate territory in the first half but he tired in the second half.

CM - Stuart Armstrong - 9

A very impressive debut. Scotland’s best player. Busy display in midfield, provided probing passes and good support to forwards with strong forward running and set up the winning goal.

LM - Robert Snodgrass - 8

His delivery from both set-pieces and open play was excellent. Team-mates could not have asked for better service.

FC - Leigh Griffiths - 6

Lively up front until forced to come off shortly after the interval, but missed a sitter when hitting the bar from five yards in the first half. Unlucky with shot which hit the post minutes later.

SUBSTITUTES

Steven Naismith (for Griffiths 48 mins) Worked hard but struggled to lead the line before Chris Martin’s introduction.

Ikechi Anya (for Snodgrass 74 mins) Had a real go, but spurned great chance to score just after coming on.

Chris Martin (for Morrison 81 mins) Couldn’t have made a more telling impact than when accepting Armstrong’s pass and scoring the 88th-minute winner.