Scott Robinson helps young Scots prosper

This was the first of three group matches Billy Stark's squad will play in Zagreb, as they aim to secure a place in the European Championship finals in France later this year.

Motherwell's Robert McHugh opened the scoring before Dumbiedykes teenager Robinson, who scored one goal for Hearts after being introduced by Csaba Laszlo in the season just finished, burst out from midfield to net. A brace from Dundee United's Stuart Armstrong rounded off a victory that puts Scotland top of their group after the initial round of matches. Croatia grabbed a late goal to beat Belgium 2-1 in the group's other match.

Manager Billy Stark was delighted first and foremost with the win but also by the striking prowess of his young side. "You'd take any sort of win in the opening game of a mini-group so I'm obviously delighted with the manner of our performance," he said.

"In particular it's really pleasing to watch a Scottish side take the chances they create in what was a stuffy game. We capitalised on a few defensive errors and frailties and more often than not that's what we struggle most to do – score goals when the opportunity arises.

"In many respects the game was an even affair in terms of possession and territory. Had they taken one of their chances and brought it back to 2-1 early in the second half it could have been a different game.

"The heat was quite extreme from what we are used to and we had a pretty hellish journey to get over here but the boys showed little effect.

"Montenegro are a big strong team and had a couple of players suspended against us so I have no doubt they'll cause the other sides in the group some problems.

"Now we'll go back, rest up and analyse the Belgium and Croatia game ahead of our next games."

Scotland play Belgium tomorrow and Croatia on Sunday.

Scotland: McCallum, Booth, Saunders, Hanley, Duffie, Hutton, Inman, McHugh (Campbell 76), Forrest (Hilson 81), Palmer, Robinson (Armstrong 71).