SCOTLAND gained revenge for their Dublin drubbing – and moved within a single point of Nations League promotion.
Jack Hendry and Ryan Christie netted in a stunning second-half comeback by Steve Clarke’s side to defeat the Republic of Ireland.
The win atoned for the 3-0 defeat in June and ensured the Scots just need a draw against Ukraine in Krakow on Tuesday night to top Group B1.
Matchwinner Christie beamed: “It’s a big win for us. We came into the game desperate for the win for a number of reasons.
“We wanted to come away with three wins from this camp and we started well on Wednesday night with the first win.
“The big factor, though, was what happened in the summer in Dublin. We wanted to put it right as we felt we had let ourselves and the fans down. Thankfully, we did that.
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“It was a frustrating time for us after that game. It was a disappointing summer and we all felt that way.
“We wanted to flip it on its head and pick up something positive this time. Two wins from two – we can’t ask for more than that.”
Boss Clarke demanded four points from two home games this week and had already celebrated a 3-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday.
But Stephen Kenny’s side threatened to upset the Scots again when captain John Egan lashed home an early opener.
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Scotland were second-best for much of the first half but Cremonese centre-back Hendry headed home Christie’s cross shortly after the break.
And Christie held his nerve from the penalty spot after the Swiss ref had penalised Irish sub Alan Browne for handball.
The only setbacks for Clarke were injuries to full-backs Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey, who are now doubts for Krakow.
Nathan Patterson and captain Andy Robertson were already missing, with Celtic pair Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor coming off the bench last night.
Bournemouth ace Christie added: “In the first half, we found it tough to get control of the game.
“They played well but we had a few tweaks at half time and showed character. We fought our way back into it.
“It was brilliants and it gives us lots of confidence to take to the next game.
“The gaffer has kept me on penalties for the last few games but we haven’t got one. As soon as I saw the handball, I fancied myself.”
Scotland had never lost at home in the Nations League but must now avoid defeat in Poland to top the section and earn promotion to League A.
Winning the group would also enhance Scotland’s seeding prospects for the Euro 2024 draw in Frankfurt on October 9.
Scorer Hendry added: “It was very competitive and a good spectacle for the fans. They were out of their seats and it was frantic at times.”
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