Georgia 2-2 Scotland: Analysis

Nick McPheat, BBC Scotland

With key defensive trio Aaron Hickey, Kieran Tierney and captain Andy Robertson out, along with first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn and striker Che Adams, this double-header has been viewed as an opportunity for Steve Clarke's bit-part players to stake a claim.

Assistant manager John Carver challenged Lawrence Shankland to use his late call-up to grasp his chance and he needed just seven minutes to do that. The Hearts captain could now be in line for a start on Sunday.

As well as the first-half stop from Levan Shengelia, Shankland's club team-mate Zander Clark was also sharp across his line to thwart the Georgian's free-kick, but he will perhaps be disappointed with his role in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's second, which was fiercely struck but appeared to drill low under his dive.

Bologna's Lewis Ferguson can be pleased with his second-half showing, which provided Scotland's midfield with the energy to maintain territory in the home half.

Ferguson was a half-time substitute for Billy Gilmour, who can perhaps feel hard done by. The Brighton man's role in the team continues to come under threat, but he created the most chances (three) and completed the most passes (42) of any Scotland midfielder in the first half.

Sunday's visit of Norway will perhaps provide a clearer picture of Clarke's long-term thinking.