National Boss Steve Clarke insists Scotland are in a ‘good place’ ahead of the return to competitive action in June.
Scotland blew a two goal lead with 15 minutes remaining to draw 2-2 in a friendly in Austria.
The stalemate in Vienna extended Scotland’s unbeaten run to eight games.
Now Clarke hopes the Scots will face Ukraine in the World Cup play-off semi-finals in June.
That fixture, originally scheduled for March 24, was postponed by FIFA due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Scotland are also scheduled to play Nations League matches in June against Armenia, Republic of Ireland and possibly Ukraine.
Clarke says his side are more than ready for a momentous month.
He said: “Now we go to the competitive games in June on the back of an eight game unbeaten run which is not a bad place to be.
“Hopefully we are playing Ukraine in June.
“That is my one wish.
“If we are playing Ukraine in June it means the situation in that country will have improved dramatically which will be good for everyone.
“After four months I have had the players for 10 days and we have got to know each other again.
“I got to lay down the basic principles we try to work off.
“We are in a good place for the competitive games in June.”
First Scotland start for Ferguson
Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson was handed a first start for Scotland.
The 22-year-old had previously made two substitute appearances for his country.
Ferguson played for 77 minutes before being replaced by Chelsea star Billy Gilmour.
Clarke said: “The idea was to get some players minutes on the pitch.
“You are allowed to use six subs as it is an international friendly so I wanted to give players minutes on the pitch.
“It was a good exercise for us.”
Always something to improve on
Scotland were fortunate to be 2-0 up with just 15 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Jack Hendry and John McGinn.
"THAT IS A GOAL OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY" 💯
John McGinn doubles Scotland's lead in Austria! 🏴pic.twitter.com/7d0PgtzKD6
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 29, 2022
A combination of superb goal-keeping from Craig Gordon and poor Austrian finishing kept the Scots ahead.
However the home side deservedly hit back to level via late goals from Michael Gregoritsch and Allesandro Schopf.
Clarke said: “Don’t forget at 2-0 up I immediately made three substitutions so lost that rhythm and continuity.
“There’s always something you can find in a performance to improve on.
“Ball retention could have been better in the game.
“We scored another good goal from a set play and a fantastic second.
“From a 2-0 position it is always a bit disappointing when you don’t see the game out to get the win.
“We’ll take the draw, go eight games unbeaten and look forward to competitive games in June.”
Frustration at conceding late goals
For the second successive game Scotland were denied a victory by a late goal.
They were 1-0 up against Poland at Hampden on Thursday only to concede an injury time penalty.
Clarke said: “When your team is under the cosh you are looking for them to defend well.
“We gave a lot of silly free kicks away and put ourselves under pressure against Austria who are a very big team.
“Eventually after one of those crosses they got a goal and made it a difficult finish for us.”