Malky Mackay is not staying on as Scotland coach but hopes to have helped shape “the future” of his national team. Mackay, in interim charge while a permanent successor to Gordon Strachan is sought, took pride from a 1-0 friendly defeat to Holland at Pittodrie.
Memphis Depay scored the only goal in the 40th minute but Mackay told Sky Sports: “I’m very, very proud of the players, they’re a young group growing and I could see in their eyes. That’s the future of Scottish football right there.”
Depay looked offside as he shot from close range after a counterattack. An experimental Scotland side were comfortable at the back and had plenty of encouraging moments going forward but they lacked firepower.
Mackay handed debuts to Ryan Jack, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor. Jack, a midfielder, lined up at right-back while Christie started alongside his Aberdeen team-mate Kenny McLean in midfield.
Scotland had the first sights of goal as Matt Phillips twice threatened to get in behind the Dutch defence. Both he and James Forrest had shots blocked the first time then Jasper Cillessen got down to save from the West Bromwich player.
Scotland looked compact but they shot themselves in the foot in the 40th minute. Phillips overhit a pass to Forrest and then McGregor sold Jack short. Holland quickly worked the ball from the left-back position to the right wing and Ryan Babel crossed for Depay to knock the ball home from close range.
Scotland continued to get encouragement going forward after the interval and John McGinn’s 25-yard shot swerved outside a post after a good passing move. And substitute Jason Cummings had a great chance late on, with his first touch, but Cillessen saved easily.
Mackay called Kieran Tierney’s performance, filling in as captain and in central defence, “pretty sensational” and added: “He led the team, he stepped out well with the ball. To be thrown in as captain for the first time in a position that’s not quite yours – there’s a great future ahead for Kieran.
“A lot of them tonight stepped up and were brave – brave to take the ball in tight areas, there were good performances all over the pitch.
“I wanted to see Ryan Fraser, I knew there’s a talent there, and I definitely wanted to see Jason Cummings at some point .
“Charlie Mulgrew came on and showed great composure and John McGinn, playing in a position that’s a bit alien to him – in the holding role he had to be a bit more disciplined. Anything good for us, he was involved in and he did the defensive work as well.”
The Scottish Football Association chief executive, Stewart Regan, earlier ruled Mackay out of the running for the permanent role, telling TalkSport: “Malky and I have discussed this. He’s been asked by the board to take charge for one game and that’s what he’s doing.”
Mackay said: “I’m going back to my job tomorrow, whatever happens after that is for upstairs.
“I’m delighted with these five days, the players gave me everything and the backroom staff have as well. We’ve got a way of working now and I hope that’s the way going forward for Scottish football.”
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