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While McGinn scored the decisive goal, it was 19-year-old Ben Doak who drove Scotland forward in the second half – providing the energy and impetus the national team have so often lacked in big games.
The Liverpool forward has impressed on loan at Middlesbrough this season and he carried his club form onto the international stage, terrorising Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol with his pace and trickery.
“He’s come into the team, he’s shown a really positive attitude, he gives us something different to what we’ve had before,” Clarke said of the former Celtic kid.
“He gets the assist for the goal, could maybe have had a couple more, maybe have scored one himself.
“He’s a young player we need to protect and look after but realise that he’s good for now and hopefully for a long time in the future.”
Doak had the most touches in Croatia’s box of any Scotland player, created the most chances, and showed a fearlessness that sometimes only youth can bring.
“He has got a lot of things – ridiculous pace, good skills and no lack of belief,” former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 live.
“Tonight was a breakthrough. Coming of age at 19 is saying a lot, but he is very, very special. At this point in time, he looks undroppable for Scotland.”
The man himself played down his impact.
“I just try and do what’s best for the team and do what I’m good at,” Doak said. “If one of my actions leads to winning the game then that’s great.
“I know I’m one of the younger lads in the squad and I’ll try and take every opportunity by the scruff of the neck as best I can.”
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