Scotland manager George Burley felt the ‘B’ international friendly against Northern Ireland was a ‘worthwhile’ exercise despite all the criticism in the build-up to the game.
Apart from casting his eyes over players who may have the potential to make the jump to the senior squad, Burley admitted it was a chance for Under-21 coach Billy Stark to have a close look at some youngsters.
“The result was not that important,” said Burley. “It was case of looking at certain players for a few different reasons.
“Young players for Billy Stark for the U-19s and U-21s and for players who were too old for that age group and other players who were in my full squad and maybe not played any games and others we hadn’t seen before.
“So, overall, I thought it was a good exercise.”
One player who was singled out by the national coach was teenage striking-sensation Leigh Griffiths and Burley admitted if he continues to progress the way he has done recently, he will soon be on the verge of a sparkling international career, regardless of where he plays his football.
He added: “Young Leigh Griffiths came on there and took his goal expertly and he will be playing in Billy Stark’s U-19 team, so that will be interesting.
“I can’t foresee where he is going to go or what club he is going to, the young boy [Graham] Dorrans has progressed very well at West Brom, so it doesn’t matter who you’re playing for or where, it’s your own individual progression which is the most important.
“So, hopefully he keeps improving and I think he showed tonight that he is a very lively striker.
“It was good experience for him, Billy Stark has spoken highly of him, so it was my intention to try and have a look at a few young players.
“I think the experience he got tonight will stand him in good stead for the U-19s and then the U-21s and if he keeps progressing, then hopefully it won’t be too long before he pushes into the full squad.”