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    Scott McTominay suffers being a Scotland star at Man United like my old mate, says Kris Boyd – but he’s been our warrior

    CRISTIANO RONALDO, Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane – and Scott McTominay.The average football fan from abroad will probably look at the Euro 2024 qualifying top scorers and think, ‘The Scotland striker has had a good campaign’.
    McTominay has an incredible record in the qualifiersCredit: AFP
    It rivals some of his old Man United team-mates like Lukaku and Ronaldo (above)Credit: Reuters
    McTominay has stepped up for Scotland since his debut in 2018Credit: Reuters
    McTominay’s record of seven goals in seven games is one any top No9 would be proud of.
    It’s an unbelievable return from the Man United midfielder and he deserves to be rubbing shoulders with all those superstars in the scoring charts.
    But it only tells half the story of his contribution to Scotland’s qualification for next summer’s finals.
    McTominay has been more than just a goalscorer for Steve Clarke’s side.

    He has been a leader and a warrior for Scotland in every single game.
    Even in Georgia, when things were getting really niggly, he was the one leading the fight.
    And after the game, McTominay was the man who rightly called Willy Sagnol’s players “cry babies” for their antics.
    McTominay was born in England but you can tell that playing for Scotland means everything to him.
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    On that, a special mention to Alex McLeish for his key role in persuading him to commit in 2018.
    England boss Gareth Southgate was also having a look at McTominay during that period.
    But Alex travelled down for talks with the Man United man and that personal touch paid off.
    McTominay has been all-in with Scotland since making his debut five years ago and Clarke is getting the best out of him.
    It took a while to find his ideal position – he played as a centre-half and also in a sitting midfield role.
    In terms of how fans viewed him, he also maybe suffered from being the Man United star turning up for Scotland duty.
    I remember it with Darren Fletcher. He was playing every week at Old Trafford and people sometimes expected too much of him.
    But McTominay has really blossomed with Scotland over the last 18 months playing in that advanced midfield role.
    It’s perfect for him and he has stepped up time after time.
    He has the pace, energy and talent to make things happen and he can also get a goal.
    Do not underestimate just how good a finish that was from him in Georgia on Thursday night.
    McTominay gets big goals in vital moments and is emerging as a talisman for the team.
    He plays a different role at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    It’s a similar club and country scenario that Darren Fletcher found himself inCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
    Boyd’s backing Lawrence Shankland (centre) for a place on the plane next summerCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Lawrence Shankland grabbed the all-important late equaliser and I was happy for the Hearts man.
    As a striker myself, I’ve been in his shoes – patiently waiting for your chance.
    You need to take it when it comes and I don’t think anyone else in the Scotland squad would have scored that header.
    Yes, we have aerial threats like Lyndon Dykes, but Shankland’s movement and awareness was top class.
    It was a real striker’s finish and that ability to find space and nick a goal could be priceless for Scotland.
    There will be games that don’t suit Shankland and he will understand why Clarke will go for Dykes or Che Adams.
    But in certain moments, like in Georgia, strikers like Shankland become so valuable.
    If it was up to me, he would be on that plane for Germany next summer.
    Special mention also to Lewis Ferguson, who made a massive impact off the bench.
    The Bologna midfielder has had to be patient and wait for his chance because we are so strong in that area.
    But Ferguson showed how big a player he can be for Scotland in that second half in Georgia.
    He was the one taking the game to them and driving the team on.
    There were a lot of unselfish runs from him and he made a big difference.
    I wouldn’t be surprised if Ferguson has done enough to earn a start against Norway tomorrow night.
    Scotland have qualified but there is still so much at stake as we battle for a pot 2 place at the Euros.
    Norway are scarred by Oslo in June when Dykes and Kenny McLean scored those two late goals.
    Stale Solbakken hasn’t been shy in claiming his team were better on that day – despite losing 2-1.
    Norway will be coming to Hampden looking for revenge and aiming to spoil the celebrations.
    Yet it now looks like Erling Haaland will join Martin Odegaard in missing the trip to Glasgow.
    McTominay and his Scotland pals will turn up for the final game of a memorable campaign.
    Let’s hope they have one big performance left and Hampden can host a proper party. More

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    Scotland seal stunning Euro 2024 qualification as Steve Clarke’s men punch ticket to Germany with TWO games to spare

    WE’VE done it – Scotland are going to the Euros!Steve Clarke’s men will back at the continent’s top table once again next summer after sealing a spot at Germany 2024.
    McTominay and McGinn have been two of the qualifying heroesCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Steve Clarke has led Scotland to back to back Euro finalsCredit: Getty
    It’s been an unbelievable campaign for the Tartan Army who set their stall out by winning their first five qualifiers before the controversial loss in Seville last week.
    It left Scotland hoping for a Spain win or even a draw against Norway in Oslo tonight.
    And – despite more VAR controversy – it was the Spaniards who ran out winners thanks to Gavi’s second half strike.
    With two automatic qualifying spots available from each group, Scotland can’t now finish out of the top two.

    It’s our second successive Euros qualification – after missing FIVE successive tournaments after Euro 96.
    And it’s all a far cry from the last campaign when Scotland did things the hard way, using the back door into the playoffs via the Nations League.
    A nail-biting penalties win over Israel was followed by *that* famous penalty shoot-out win in Belgrade that secured our place at Euro 2020 – but this time (for once) it’s been a whole lot more straightforward!
    While Scotland did have that play-off spot available if needed – this time around, it won’t be required!
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    This is the fourth time we’ve qualified for the Euros and only the second time we’ve ever made it to back-to-back finals.
    It’s also the first time Scotland have qualified for back-to-back major international tournaments for 25 years, when we made it to the World Cup in 1998 having been at the Euros two years before.
    It’s a truly remarkable feat for Steve Clarke’s men, who have punched a ticket to the finals with two qualification games still to spare.
    Scotland now join hosts Germany in confirming their place at Euro 2024 – which gets underway on 14 June next year.
    Bring it on!
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Spain 2 Scotland 0 – VAR sickener as McTominay strike cruelly disallowed as Clarke’s men kept waiting on qualification

    IN a city of bullfighting this was bull****.Seville’s matadors have nothing on how Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk skewered Scotland.
    McTominay couldn’t believe his goal was chalked-offCredit: Getty
    The ref disallowed the stunning strike after VAR reviewCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Morata scored just over 10 minutes later with Scotland kept waiting on qualificationCredit: Getty
    Everything he did was a red rag to the Steve Clarke and his side.
    But his decision to disallow a Scott McTominay wonder goal at 0-0 was an absolute disgrace.
    The records books will show Spain’s Álvaro Morata and Oihan Sancet scored the two goals that counted.
    But it was the one that didn’t which left such a bad taste on the mouth.

    Clarke insisted he didn’t want any favours from anyone before a ball was kicked.
    Well, he certainly didn’t get any.
    The VAR decision after 60 minutes robbed Scotland of a huge goal which would have gone a long way to getting the point needed to secure qualification for next summer’s finals.
    At first it was chalked off for a foul on the goalkeeper.
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    Then it was changed to off-side.

    You’d have been forgiven for thinking the officials were simply making it up as they went along.
    The contempt Gozubuyuk showed for our team made you believe Uefa will do anything to make sure the big nations reach Germany next year
    Now, of course, Scotland are looking for another Spain win against Norway in Oslo on Sunday night.
    If that happens all this will quickly be forgotten about.
    But for now this didn’t half hurt.
    Let’s be honest, winning felt unlikely before a ball was kicked.
    Spain chose Andalucia for a reason with the record books showing they rarely lost in this part of the world.
    It’s their go-to venue when they need a result. Seville a city no Scottish team has ever won before.
    Even with Scotland sitting pretty at the top of Group A – with five wins from five – it was still a daunting prospect.
    But it wasn’t ever beyond the realms of all possibility that Clarke’s side could get the point they needed to qualify. And we didn’t half make Spain sweat in the searing heat of Seville.
    That’s what this group of players have given the nation above all else. 
    Hope.
    It was always going to be nervy and edgy whenever Spain came forward. That much was certain.
    De la Fuente’s side could have taken the lead inside the first 60 seconds with Ferran Torres missing a chance he usually buries.
    There and then every Scot feared the worst.
    Scotland stars ratedBy ANDY DEVLIN
    ANGUS GUNN: His goal had led a charmed life most of the night. That said, he hadn’t made a save worthy of note when Morata headed Spain in front. Couldn’t be faulted at either Spanish goal….6.
    AARON HICKEY: Football can be such a cruel game. The left-back playing at right-back had been outstanding when he lost his footing to effectively gift-wrap the win for Spain….6.
    RYAN PORTEOUS: The Watford man had just got back to make a superb block when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was his unfortunate own goal which sealed Spain’s win…6.
    JACK HENDRY: Stepping out trying to make an early interception almost cost Scotland dear, Ferran Torres missed a sitter. But how he settled thereafter. Picked up a late booking, but that was down to frustration..7.
    SCOTT McKENNA: In for the injured Kieran Tierney. The former Aberdeen star won’t get forward like Tierney, but you lost count of the amount of headers he won. Had a fine match..7. 
    ANDY ROBERTSON: More than played his part in a solid defensive first half showing. But the Scotland captain was forced off with a shoulder injury two minutes from the break..5. 
    SCOTT McTOMINAY: The man who can do no wrong for Scotland thought he’d done it again. A sensational free-kick, ruled out by VAR and a ref who gave Clarke’s side nothing all night….6. 
    CALLUM McGREGOR: The hugely experienced midfielder was the one going round trying to keep his teammates calm and focused after McTominay’s free-kick was ruled out. Replaced late on…6. 
    JOHN McGINN: Totally wiped out by Carvajal right on the edge of the Spanish box. Incredibly, Dutch ref Serdar Gozubuyuk waved play on, setting the tone for a truly appalling performance…6.
    RYAN CHRISTIE: The one Scotland midfielder who attempted to get up in support of Dykes. Tried to provide Clarke’s men with an outball, while mindful of his defensive duties. Replaced late on….6. 
    LYNDON DYKES: Picked up a booking after a coming together with Laporte. It was a thankless task for the QPR man who ran himself into the ground up front on his own….6.
    Subs:
    NATHAN PATTERSON: Got away with one when Balde robbed him of the ball. Booked for a foul on Bryan Zaragoza, but stuck doggedly to his defensive tasks…5.
    CHE ADAMS: Should have scored just moments after coming on. Failed to properly connect with Hickey’s cross…4.
    STUART ARMSTRONG: Another sub who snatched at a half-chance for Scotland…2.
    KENNY McLEAN: Came on just after Spain scored their second…2.
    BILLY GILMOUR: No time for the young midfield star to shine…2.

    But despite having the vast, vast majority of the ball, Spain didn’t make it count in the first-half.
    For Scotland it was all about tracking runners and filling the gaps whenever they appeared.
    Callum McGregor was vital in his role in front of the back five.
    Being without injured Kieran Tierney was a definite blow but Scott McKenna came into the team and didn’t look out of place.
    Aaron Hickey was outstanding on the right, making a sensational block to prevent Mikel Oyarzabal scoring in 34 minutes.
    When the ball broke for Mikel Merino he hit a shot which smacked the post and fizzed across Angus Gunn’s goal and somehow stayed out of his net to drift out for a goal kick on the opposite side.
    It was the kind of moment which made you think this might just be Scotland’s night.
    Morata thought he’d scored in 38 minutes too but the flag went up showing he was a good two or three yards off-side.
    By that time Clarke just wanted to get his team into the away changing room to regroup.
    But before the half-time whistle went he was dealt a massive blow with Robertson helped off the pitch with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
    He’d been clattered by goalkeeper Unai Simón as he jumped for a high ball, coming off second best, with his night over.
    Clarke’s answer was to put on Everton’s Nathan Patterson and play him on the right with Hockey shifting over to the left.
    In an attacking sense there wasn’t much there for Scotland before the break. Lyndon Dykes had a running battle with Aymeric Laporte which saw him booked.
    The QPR hitman’s touches were limited.
    But it was all about how the team were fighting for each other all over the pitch to keep Spain at bay.
    We certainly weren’t going to get any help from the Dutch referee who was hell bent on giving the Euro giants the benefit of any doubt throughout the night.
    The decision to disallow McTominay’s wonder strike free-kick on the hour mark was nothing short of a disgrace.
    It should have been the goal of his life.
    Instead the officials contrived to rob him and Scotland of a precious lead.
    The moment it went to VAR to check for a foul everyone knew what was coming next.
    Replays showed there had been virtually no contact by Jack Hendry on goalkeeper Simon.
    But still the ref sided with the Spanish and awarded them a free-kick.
    Joy had suddenly turned to anger and disbelief – with the home side soon taking full advantage of the let-off.

    With 73 minutes on the clock Morata made a darting run and stooped to glance a header past Gunn.
    It was simply agonising.
    Even then Scotland had late chances to level the game with subs Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong blocked from scoring.
    Read More on The Sun
    But in 86 minutes Sancet pounced after Hickey slipped and it was all over.

    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Fans in awe as Scott McTominay scores AGAIN for Scotland with ‘on fire’ Man Utd outcast Euro 2024 qualifying top scorer

    MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Scott McTominay continued his scoring streak for Scotland on Friday as Steve Clarke’s side cruised to a 3-0 win over Cyprus.The 26-year-old broke the deadlock just six minutes into the Euro 2024 qualifier with a header from close range.
    McTominay scored another goal for Scotland on FridayCredit: Getty
    The midfielder is now top scorer in the Euro 2024 qualifiersCredit: Getty
    Left-back Andy Robertson sent a cross to Aston Villa’s John McGinn in the box, who deflected the ball into the path of McTominay at the back post.
    The midfielder then simply flicked the ball into the gaping net to fire Scotland into an early lead.
    McTominay now leads the Euro 2024 qualifying top scorers table with six goals and one assist in five games – ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku.
    Fans took to social media to praise the Man Utd star, with one person tweeting: “McTominay is always on fire for Scotland!”
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    A second fan wrote: “Scott McTominay turns into prime R9 when he plays international football.”
    Another added: “McTominay on fire for the Scots, can’t get a look in and nearly got sold for United!”
    While a fourth joked: “Maybe McTominay should play as a 9😂.”
    Despite the midfielder’s impressive form on the international level, he has fallen out of favour with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.
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    He has played just seven minutes so far in the Premier League this season, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen currently the Dutchman’s preferred midfield duo.
    McTominay almost left Old Trafford on deadline day when Fulham attempted to complete a transfer.
    The Cottagers saw him as the perfect replacement for Joao Palhinha, who came close to joining Bayern Munich.
    West Ham also attempted to sign the midfielder, but they could not agree a transfer fee with Man Utd. More

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    Harry Kane targeting Hollywood summer blockbuster with Champions League win at Wembley and Euro 2024 triumph in new home

    HARRY KANE is eyeing a Hollywood summer blockbuster — by winning the Champions League in London and the European Championships in Germany.The England captain is desperate for ­trophies after his £100million switch to Bayern Munich and has a dream scenario in mind.
    Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in pursuit of personal gloryCredit: Getty
    The former Spurs man is eyeing Champions League glory with the GermansCredit: GETTY
    Kane also wants to taste European Championship glory with England next yearCredit: AP
    Kane, 30, said: “I have been told about the Champions League final at Wembley, for sure.
    “I know the Euros are in Germany next summer. So if there’s someone out there writing a movie, I’ll try and do my best to make it happen!
    “There’s so much time to go I don’t want to think about it too much.
    “But if it did happen it would be incredible.”
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    England will virtually secure qualification for the Euro 2024 finals if they defeat Ukraine here in the Polish city of Wroclaw tonight.
    And Kane admitted his angst at going potless in more than a decade at Tottenham while Three Lions team-mates were lifting trophies.
    The striker said: “There is no hiding the fact that winning trophies is the one thing missing from my career.
    “When the boys are playing the Champions League and I am just sitting at home watching it, I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that hurt.
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    “Of course, I want them to do well — Kyle Walker and all those guys to win when they are in competitions I am not in — but a part of me wants to have those experiences.
    “I am not sure ‘jealous’ is the right word, but it motivates me to push myself towards some of those trophies the guys have got.”
    A 2-1 win in their first qualifying game in Italy has set the tone for this qualifying campaign.
    England could confirm their place in Germany over the next few days if they win and other results go their way.
    Boss Gareth Southgate said: “We have got to focus on what would get us to that point.
    “We have to make sure we can come to an intense atmosphere and perform as we did against Italy in Naples.”
    Southgate is set to ignore criticism of midfielder Jordan Henderson for moving to Saudi Arabia by picking him in tonight’s starting XI.
    The boss insisted: “I don’t pick the team based on external reaction as you’ll be well aware over the course of seven years.
    Read More on The Sun
    “He’s a very experienced professional and very mature at handling any situation.
    “He’s trained really well this week — the whole group have.”
    Gareth Southgate has ignored the furore over Jordan Henderson’s move to SaudiCredit: Alamy More

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    Cyprus 0 Scotland 3 – Steve Clarke’s men could be within DAYS of clinching Euro 2024 place after stunning Larnaca rout

    WE’RE so close now we can almost taste the Bratwurst.“Germany, Germany, we’re the famous Tartan Army and we’re off to Germany,” belted out the Scotland fans in Cyprus.
    Scott McTominay scored Scotland’s first to kickstart the goals in LarnacaCredit: Getty
    Ryan Porteous netted his first international goal in the win over CyprusCredit: Getty
    Even Steve Clarke must believe it now.
    Just one more point could do it and, who knows, we might not even need get it for ourselves.
    But all eyes will be on Oslo where Norway take on Georgia and if that ends a draw it’ll be mission accomplished.
    There is still some work to be done for it all to become a formality.

    But not even the most pessimistic Scot on the planet can have any fear that this team is not going to next summer’s Euros.
    This team just doesn’t seem to know what failure looks like in this qualification campaign.
    Show me what you’re made of, Clarke challenged his Group A leaders before kick-off in Larnaca.
    Well, didn’t they just with a performance that was truly magnificent on the Med.
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    Scott McTominay, Ryan Porteous and John McGinn all scored inside the first half-hour on a night when no-one in dark blue put a foot wrong.
    That’s the thing about this group of players – they are a proper team who BELONG at a major tournament.
    Let’s get it right, the expectation here was that Scotland wouldn’t end their winning streak against the team propping up Group A.
    Sure, Temur Ketsbaia’s side had to be respected as a proud nation who would put everything into this qualifier.
    They did just that at Hampden back in March when two late McTominay strikes came after McGinn scored early to make that result appear far more comfortable 
    McTominay celebrates
    But Cyprus have zero points on the table for good reason.
    It almost felt unthinkable that Clarke’s men would come here and waste all their hard work in the previous four games.
    But how many times have we said that down the years?
    How often have our teams got into promising positions in campaigns only to throw it away just as we’re all getting excited?
    The thing about his group of players, though, is that they aren’t scarred by any previous disappointments.
    It’s such a young, vibrant squad with super-positive 20-somethings playing at the highest level for their clubs every week.
    And even the ones who aren’t getting a regular game on a Saturday are so athletic, fit and strong you wouldn’t know they’re on the fringes of their teams.
    Scotland player ratings
    ANGUS GUNN: The keeper made his Scotland debut against Cyprus in the Hampden win back in March. Yet to concede a goal from open play. Few routine saves 9
    JACK HENDRY: A nation held its breath, fearing VAR might come into play. Thankfully, after the defender’s towering back-post header, Scotland’s second goal stood 9
    RYAN PORTEOUS: The right man in the right place at the right time to notch his first goal for his country. You could see exactly what it meant to the Watford star too 9
    KIERAN TIERNEY: The Real Sociedad defender won his 40th cap against Cyprus. What a way to celebrate such a milestone. A huge player for Scotland and Steve Clarke 9
    AARON HICKEY: Another rising star who has made such an impact. Heavily involved in the third goal. Defended well and got forward at pretty much every opportunity 9
    SCOTT McTOMINAY: Man United’s loss is Scotland’s gain. The Tartan Army talisman made it six goals in five games. Played like a man with a major point to prove 9
    CALLUM McGREGOR: A calming figure in the middle of the park. So much time, so much space and always picking out the right pass. This was an outstanding display 9
    BILLY GILMOUR: A magnificent showing from the Brighton star. Poise, balance, strength and composure. The kid has it all. A genuine world-class star in the making 9
    ANDREW ROBERTSON: Superb from the Scots skipper on a night when Clarke’s men excelled. Pin-point accuracy for the opener and from the free-kick which led to the second 9
    JOHN McGINN: A truly stunning finish fired Scotland into a three-goal lead before half-time. It was his 17th goal for his country and he won’t have scored many better 9
    CHE ADAMS: The Southampton striker got the nod ahead of Lyndon Dykes. His quick throw-in helped create first. No real surprise to see him replaced after 66 minutes 9
    SUBS: Kenny McLean (7) Hero of Oslo got standing ovation when he came on.
    Lyndon Dykes (7) Probably disappointed not to start but played part.
    Nathan Patterson (6), Stuart Armstrong (6), Ryan Christie (6) all on late.

    Big McTominay has fallen out of favour at Man United under Erik Ten Hag and has looked to be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer.
    But if he’s conserving his energy for Scotland then that’s all good and well – because he was absolutely outstanding here in dark blue.
    Some people were maybe surprised to see him in the starting line-up because of his lack of big game action so far this season.
    But Clarke has a habit of keeping faith in his key players and McTominay is clearly someone he trusts.
    So it was rich reward for the Scotland boss to see the midfielder score the opener here and play so brilliantly.
    Cyprus looked stunned when he hit the net after only six minutes.
    Andy Robertson stood up a cross from the left touchline and it was flicked on by McGinn with McTominay powering home his header at the back stick.

    Scotland teams of years gone by have often been guilty of sitting off games after taking early leads. But not this one.
    The home side did have a couple of pot shots from distance at 1-0.
    But Clarke’s side have such a ruthless side to them these days that there was no chance of them taking their foot off the gas after taking the lead.
    Getting the second goal with only 16 minutes on the clock was great timing too because it sapped the life out of the opposition.
    At first it looked like the penalty box strike from Porteous may be ruled out for a climb by Jack Hendry inside the crowded box.
    But replays showed the defender was just more determined to get to the ball first than his marker.

    The VAR officials rightly saw nothing wrong with the challenge and the ex-Hibs defender was able to celebrate his first international goal.
    It was all just such a joy to watch.
    The way Scotland were passing and moving was fantastic.
    McTominay was at the heart of everything and on the half-hour mark he fired a pass into McGinn’s feet as he took up a great position on the edge of the Cyprus box.
    The Aston Villa skipper took a good touch to set himself before curling an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Joel Mall with his trusty left foot.

    The Tartan Army had spent all day in the Larnaca boozers but by now it was the football they were seeing that was intoxicating.
    Being 3-0 up at the interval made the second-half a mere formality.
    McTominay was close to getting his second of the night at the back post on 55 minutes but just got to the ball a split second too late.
    Read More on The Sun
    The man of match then rattled a curling shot off the post.

    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘backup striker sorted’ as Jonny Evans scores ‘beauty’ on international duty

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans think they already have the perfect backup striker in their ranks after Jonny Evans scored a stunning goal for Northern Ireland.The 35-year-old centre-back has just re-joined United on a one-year deal after spending eleven years with the club between 2004 and 2015.

    Jonny Evans scored a stunner for Northern Ireland during their 4-2 defeat to SloveniaCredit: PA
    The Man United man controlled the ball just inside the box with a nice piece of skill
    He then beat a defender by shaping the ball on to his right boot
    Evans then lofted the ball into the back of the net
    But United fans think that he is being wasted as a defender after he scored a wonderful goal while on international duty.
    Evans was playing for Northern Ireland in their matchup against Slovenia for a Euro 2024 qualifier.
    The former West Brom and Leicester man took the ball down with a lovely piece of skill just inside the area.
    He then shifted it on to his right foot to beat the defender in front of him before lashing it into the top corner – albeit with a friendly deflection off a Slovenia player.
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    And the out of character goal didn’t go unnoticed by Red Devils fans who took to social media to say that Evans should be playing up front for them.
    One said: “Back up striker sorted.”
    Whilst another added: “Stick him up front.”
    Evans’ goal comes on the same night that United flop Wout Weghorst also bagged for his country, while their new £72million signing Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank when he came on for Denmark against San Marino.
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    Rasmus Hojlund was unable to score for Denmark tonight against San MarinoCredit: Getty
    Wout Weghorst scored in the Netherlands’ 3-0 win against GreeceCredit: AP
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    Rival fans were quick to tease United supporters about the unfortunate chain of events.
    One fan wrote: “Weghorst is better than Hojlund.”
    A second added: “No way!! United really cursed him!”
    Another piled in by saying: “Man United were the problem, not Weghorst.” More

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    Newcastle star could make shock international allegiance switch U-turn as England target winger after Scotland injury KO

    ENGLAND could target Elliot Anderson for a shock international U-turn after injury ruled the Newcastle winger out for Scotland.The Tynesider appeared to have finally settled his allegiance by accepting a senior Scottish call-up last week.
    Elliot Anderson’s international future could again be up for debateCredit: PA
    The Newcastle local lad has played for Scotland U21s and England U19sCredit: Rex
    But he’s had to pull out of Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier away to Cyprus and a friendly against England at Hampden Park next Tuesday.
    Now The Telegraph reckon the Three Lions might go on the prowl for him again.
    Anderson, 20, played for Scotland’s junior sides until switching for one game with England U19s in 2021.
    But he returned to the Scottish ranks at U21 level in March last year.
    READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
    That move seemed to have been cemented when Steve Clarke rewarded his rapid rise at Newcastle by promoting him to the senior Scotland squad.
    And Clarke appeared sure Anderson was content with his choice.
    The former Chelsea defender and ex-Reading manager said: “He had a little think about choosing between Scotland and England.
    “Elliot has been through the under-age groups with Scotland, he is one we have had an eye on.
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    “We had some good discussions with the boy and his family and he has chosen to come with us, which is good for us now and certainly good for us in the future.”
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    Born in Whitley Bay, Anderson qualifies for Scotland through a grandparent. 
    The former Bristol Rovers loanee signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle in September 2022.
    Toon chief Eddie Howe said at the time: “We are all delighted with Elliot’s development.
    “He is a natural talent, but he also has an excellent work ethic and always wants to learn.” More