Scotland U-21s 2-2 Ukraine U-21s: Player ratings

Scotland Under-21s were held 2-2 at home by Ukraine. Pic: SNS

Jack Hamilton – 7: The Hearts ‘keeper made an outstanding double save within the opening five minutes. He may feel he could have done better with Dmytro Khlyobas’s opening goal, which squirmed under his right hand. His decision to come storming out at the end may not have been the right one, but it may have made up Hyam’s mind to take the attacker down, preserving the point.

Callum Paterson – 8: His willingness to continually bomb up and down the right flank paid off with a close range effort that finished off a terrific Scotland move. Even before his goal he put in two troubling crosses into the centre that led to chances for Henderson and Cummings. Was unfortunate to be handed an incredibly soft booking, which perhaps led to his half-time substitution.

Jordan McGhee – 6: Individually he was solid enough but was a part of a centre back partnership that didn’t instill much confidence. His composure with the ball makes him an asset in Scotland’s built-it-from-the-back attack.

Dominic Hyam – 3: A night to forget for the Reading centre back. Hyam’s slack play when out of position led to Ukraine’s opener. Then, deep into stoppage time, he badly misjudged a high ball over the top and, once the attacker was around Hamilton, he had little choice but to commit the professional foul.

Andrew Robertson – 7: Was always an option down the left in the first half, where his experience told in the build up to the second goal. While others might have pushed the play earlier, he remained patient, swapping passes with team-mates before knocking it in for King who flicked to Cummings. Couldn’t get forward as much in the second half as Scotland began to retreat.

Donald Love – 5: The quieter of the two centre midfielders in the first half, Love did well when opportunity arose to close down the visitors. Substituted at half-time.

John McGinn – 7: The captain lived up to his role in the first half with an energetic performance on and off the football. As Scotland dropped deeper in the second half his influence faded with it, but still a strong showing overall.

Billy King – 7: The Hearts wide man was always positive and willing to contribute to attacking moves all across the final third. His flick for Cummings, which led to the second goal, was truly sublime. Gets a point knocked off for not shooting when played through by Cummings at 2-1.

Liam Henderson – 6: Supported Cummings in the centre from the No.10 position. The Celtic loanee was threatening and unlucky on two occasions not to score. First he hit right at the keeper after being picked out by Paterson. Then he slammed the ball wide after being taken by surprise when King elected to square it to him across goal.

Barrie McKay – 5: Had a rough opening 20 minutes when nothing would come off for him. Settled down to have a steady match thereafter, including starting the move that would lead to the second goal, but couldn’t replicate his recent form with Rangers on the night.

Jason Cummings – 9: Outstanding performance from the lone striker who contributed a goal and an assist in a livewire performance. Showed perfect awareness and technique to head Scotland level, before his low cross for Paterson helped put the hosts in front. Should have had another assistant when a low reverse pass found King in the penalty area, and was so unlucky to see a late effort come back off the crossbar.

Craig Slater (Sub) – 6: Was more dynamic than Love in the centre of the park after replacing his team-mate at half-time. Buzzed up and down the park, contributing to both defence and attack.

Callum McFadzean (Sub) – 6: Didn’t get as forward as much as the man he replaced, but that was ok as Scotland chose to sit in more, protecting their lead.

Oliver McBurnie (Sub) – 4: Thrown on late to make a nuisance of himself up front, but ended up being the last line of defence that played Oleksandr Svatok onside following a corner.