\n<\/p>\n
McTominay got the second and Adams the third and fourth following fine work from Ben Gannon-Doak, who was another positive for Clarke.<\/p>\n
His run downfield was a big part of Adams’ fourth. The Bournemouth youngster is still raw, still searching for consistency with his final ball, but he looked sharper here.<\/p>\n
The head coach said Gannon-Doak got so excited before the Curacao game that it ran away from him. He looks a real contender again.<\/p>\n
Adams is a curious sort, a player Clarke cherishes but who has never evoked major support among the Tartan Army. He is a willing and hard-working striker, a selfless sort, but not a natural goalscorer.<\/p>\n
Here, though, his partnership with Shankland looked convincing. They looked to have a burgeoning understanding. The smart money has to be on both of them to start next Saturday.<\/p>\n
Eight goals in two games is a handsome way to enter the tournament. This preparation was never about Curacao and Bolivia, but it was about getting enough positivity to propel Scotland into Haiti week. They have that.<\/p>\n
Clarke was reluctant to big things up in the aftermath, but he was pleased, you could tell. Four years ago he led his team into the Euros on the back of demoralising form.<\/p>\n
It feels different now. Dangerous talk, of course, but they’re in decent fettle one week out from the biggest game of their international lives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n