McTominay penalty saves Scotland in close first-leg

Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game as Scotland survived a second-half barrage from Greece in their Nations League play-off in Athens.

- RONNIE ESPLIN

The Napoli midfielder netted a penalty he had won in the 33rd minute of the first leg and the Scots spurned a couple of other chances before the break.

An impressive performance began to flounder in the second half when 17-year-old Genk-born attacker Konstantinos Karetsas came on to make his debut for the home side, after making the switch from Belgium, for whom he had played at various youth levels.

Steve Clarke’s side withstood relentless pressure from the Greeks who hit the woodwork, although keeper Craig Gordon was not called upon to make too many saves.

Scotland can be confident going into the return leg at Hampden Park on Sunday where they look to remain in League A, whereas Greece are looking to get out of League B.

The return to the squad of fit-again Kieran Tierney had Clarke considering a return to a back three but the Arsenal star started on the bench as the head coach stuck with a back four which had been employed during the Nations League campaign.