Scotland 1 - 1 Canada: Just over 9,000 see Scots held

Scotland were held to a 1-1 draw by Canada in front of just over 9,000 fans at Easter Road.

Scotland's Steven Naismith in action against Canada's Scott Arfield. Picture: Paul Devlin/SNS

The unfancied visitors took a surprise lead through Falkirk’s Fraser Aird after just 11 minutes.

The goal was a disaster for the Scotland defence. Lee Wallace miscued, and the ball went back to Charlie Mulgrew who took a poor touch in the box. It fell perfectly for Aird who finished expertly to score his first international goal.

The former Rangers midfielder looked the liveliest player on the park during the opening exchanges and could have scored again during the first half as he drifted past several Scotland defenders before firing wide.

The hosts equalised through Steven Naismith on 35 minutes and there was a touch of fortune about the goal. Debutant Tom Cairney shot and Naismith stuck out a foot to divert the ball over the line.

There was plenty of huff and puff in the second half but no more goals.

One of the few positives Scotland can take ahead of Sunday’s vital World Cup qualifer against Slovenia at Hampden was the performance of Fulham’s Cairney who looked composed.

Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser was denied a debut due to a slight injury concern.