Those Scotland players who did not make it to Portugal for this warm-up friendly were always going to overshadow their team-mates on the pitch, despite an admirable display as they lost a late lead to Holland.
Seven of Steve Clarke’s squad remained at their training base in Spain after Sheffield United’s John Fleck tested positive for Covid-19. The boss made all the right noises about their absence being ‘precautionary’ and ‘ultra cautious’.
But after conceding that six players had been in ‘close proximity’ to Fleck, it leaves the fear that more cases could yet emerge.
MATCH FACTS
Holland (5-3-2): Krul; Dumfries, Timber (Berghuis 69), de Vrij (de Jong 85), de Ligt, Wijndal (van Aanholt 69); Wijnaldum (Gravenberch 31), de Roon, de Jong (Klaassen 31); Weghorst (Promes 69), Depay
Subs not used: Bizot, Koopmeiners, Malen, Stekelenburg, van de Beek, Veltman
Scorer: Depay (17, 89)
Booked: De Ligt
Manager: Frank de Boer
Scotland (4-3-3): Gordon; Robertson (Taylor 69), Cooper (Gallagher 62), Hendry, Tierney (McKenna 69); Turnbull (Gilmour 81), McGregor, Armstrong; Christie, Forrest (Fraser 61), Dykes (Nisbet 61)
Subs not used: McLaughlin, McTominay
Scorer: Hendry (11), Nisbet (64)
Booked: None
Manager: Steve Clarke
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The concern is amplified given goalkeeper David Marshall, defenders Grant Hanley and Stephen O’Donnell, midfielder John McGinn and striker Che Adams are all likely starters for their opening game of Euro 2020 a week on Monday.