Scotland debutants Kieran Tierney and John McGinn were thrilled to play a part in helping Scotland to a morale-boosting 1-0 friendly win against Denmark last night.
Matt Ritchie’s eighth-minute goal was enough to give Gordon Strachan’s side a second victory in less than a week following last Thursday’s 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in Prague.
Only 18,385 spectators were at Hampden for a low-key international, but it was a night to remember for Hibernian midfielder McGinn who strolled through the match.
He said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to play. It was rather unexpected.
“When I found out this morning I was focused on doing a job for the team and I am delighted with how it went.
“I was probably as nervous as I have ever been. It was credit to the older players such as Gordon Greer and Scott Brown, earning his 50th cap, who helped Kieran and I settle. This week was a great opportunity to learn from quality players and I have just been soaking everything in.”
Celtic left back Tierney said he was also surprised to be included but impressed during the first half before being substituted for Hoops team-mate Charlie Mulgrew at the break.
He said: “It was a surprise getting a cap so young, but, in saying that, I’ve been surprised every time my name has been on the Celtic teamsheet, so I know how it feels. Everyone joins a squad with the hope of playing and I had it in my head, but it was still great to find out I was starting.”
The 18-year-old, who was born in the Isle of Man, had not been capped by Scotland at under-21 level but was pleased to make the jump straight to the senior team.
He added: “It’s been a crazy season. I don’t think anyone could have thought it would have gone this way for me. It’s been terrific so far and I hope it continues. I don’t know what’s next or how long this can continue, but I hope it’s as long as possible.”
Ritchie hopes Scotland can now go on to make progress towards the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Bournemouth midfielder said: “I was a little bit lucky the goalkeeper and the central defender got a bit mixed up, I managed to sneak in between and finish it, but I am delighted with the win.
“We can improve on the performance, but it is good momentum. We have had two games and two wins and confidence is high.”
Scotland manager Strachan intends to keep everyone grounded, despite the impressive last two results.
He said: “We learned we have team spirit, also that we have to retain the ball better, but that comes from not being match fit.”