CALAMITY PAIN

World Cup preparations off to a shocker in friendly loss

- By Ronnie Esplin

SCOTLAND were booed off at Hampden last night after a calamitous performance against Iceland.

Scotland’s No.1 Angus Gunn hobbled off after just two minutes, to be replaced by rookie Cieran Slicker, but the Ipswich keeper was picking the ball out his net a mere 64 seconds after coming on. His night would not get any better.

Iceland rattled two more past him, with John Souttar heading a consolation goal.

CIERAN SLICKER had a debut to forget as Scotland's World Cup qualifying warm-up ended with a 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden Park.

Luckless home keeper Angus Gunn sustained an injury in the third minute and eventually had to be replaced by the 22-year-old Ipswich Town keeper, minutes after which he conceded possession before Andri Gudjohnsen beat him with a terrific drive.

John Souttar levelled in the 25th minute from a corner but Slicker and his defenders struggled collectively when the visitors regained the lead from a corner just before the break with Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson putting through his own goal.

Slicker was again found wanting in the 52nd minute when he was beaten by a Victor Palsson header and the evening will haunt him.

Iceland had lost all six of their previous meetings with Scotland but they deserved their first win.