Scotland player ratings as Craig Gordon rolls back the years to produce heroic display in Moldova win

The veteran keeper produced a point blank save with the game deadlocked before a late penalty save in Chisinau.

Scotland have moved a step closer to ending their World Cup wait after a comfortable win in Moldova clinched a play off place.

Nathan Patterson’s first goal for his country and a Che Adams strike ensured Scotland’s name will be in the hat in Zurich draw later this month with Craig Gordon making a late penalty save.

The travelling Tartan Army boogie, boogied in Chisinau and it will be the same at Hampden when Denmark are the visitor for the final Group F qualifier.

That game is still important as Scotland look to ensure they are seeded for the play-off which would be a big advantage.

Here are the Record Sport ratings from a big win and a step closer to qualifying for Qatar 2022.

CRAIG GORDON

Hearts keeper produced two huge saves when Scotland needed him most, first pushing over Artur Ionita’s header before brilliantly saving Vadim Rata’s late spot-kick. 9

JACK HENDRY

Did well to recover and tidy up after allowing Radu Ginsari to break clear into box. The odd stray pass but a tidy enough display. 6

LIAM COOPER

A strong showing at the back from the Leeds skipper as he won all his duels. Came close to adding a third when his header was cleared off the line. 7

KIERAN TIERNEY

A quieter night in an attacking sense than we’re used to from the Arsenal ace but was quick on his toes to clear the rebound after Gordon’s penalty heroics. 7

NATHAN PATTERSON

Brilliant finish on his weaker foot before laying on the second for Adams. Gave away the penalty for handball and collected a yellow that puts him out of Monday’s Denmark clash. 8

BILLY GILMOUR

Whoever takes over Norwich has to find a way of getting this kid in the team. Orchestrated everything with his vision and passing. Played a key role in Patterson’s goal too. 8

CALLUM McGREGOR

Failed to track Ionita as Moldovan skipper gave Scotland an early fright but refused to let that ruffle his feathers. Composed performance. 7

JOHN McGINN

Will have impressed his new Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard with the two moments of class which led to the goals. 8

ANDY ROBERTSON

Some poor decision-making saw him take a shot on when Patterson was screaming for a cut-back early doors but his driving runs caused the hosts problems all night. 7

STUART ARMSTRONG

Back in Clarke’s line-up for first time since the Euros. Bright display as he linked up well with Robertson down the left. Unlucky with a couple of efforts. 7

CHE ADAMS

Grabbed the all important second goal but might have had a hat-trick had he not wandered offside on a couple of occasions. 8

SUBSTITUTES

KEVIN NISBET Got the final 15 minutes but no sight of goal. 3

KENNY McLEAN On for the closing stages as Scotland held on for victory. 2

JACOB BROWN Handed his first cap as he replaced Adams. 2

DAVID TURNBULL No time to have a say. 1