BEN DOAK lit up Scotland's gut-wrenching defeat to Croatia in Zagreb - but might NOT do the same against Portugal on Tuesday night Steve Clarke says.
The Tartan Army watched in awe as the Liverpool kid - on loan at Middlesbrough - weaved his way down the wing and tormented Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol in the 2-1 defeat, which was decided in the closing stages by a late VAR offside decision against Che Adams.
Ryan Christie had given Steve Clarke's side the lead before veteran Craig Gordon was beaten twice by Igor Matanovic and Andrej Kramaric.
Che Adams thought he'd snatched a late point with a scrambled equaliser deep in injury time but it was flagged off after a lengthy delay.
Viewers watching the action at home online via Youtube shared the late agony but were just as enthralled with the teen ace from Ayrshire, as his boss who hails from the same county, was.
But they might not get to see him in real life after a huge shiftfrom the 18-year-old on his first start.
Steve Clarke admitted: "I love him," when asked about the effect Doak has had on the squad since his call-up to the senior squad before Euro 2024 and his subsequent appearances off the bench.
His first start ended after 76 minutes when he was replaced by Ryan Gauld, but Croatia was the winger's full debut.
The first of many games from the start, according to his boss.
Clarke said: "I'm pleased for Ben and pleased, as a coach, WITH Ben.
"That's his first start and I'm sure it won't be his last.
"He's got attributes and qualities - that's why he is in the squad and why I tried to put him in the squad before the summer when his injury flared up.
But we see what Ben has for us. You have to be careful with young players and bring them through at the right time.
"Injuries have probably accelerated his debut - or his first start - but it was good and we can build on that.
"Whether he has the legs and energy to go again on Tuesday night after such a big shift we will assess.
"Let's not put too much pressure on him, but let's enjoy Ben.
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"I love him. He has a great attitude.
"He's very open and determined to improve as a player and knows he has parts of his game he has to improve.
"He's not a shy boy, he's a good character and good in the dressing room."
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