Scotland held to disappointing home draw by Canada

Scotland were held to a disappointing home draw by a Canada team ranked 50 places lower than Gordon Strachan’s side.

The Dark Blues fielded a second string lineup, with Strachan testing out a number of options ahead of Sunday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia. But not one of those options shone as Canada held their own in Edinburgh.

Former Rangers winger Fraser Aird scored a surprise opener after just 11 minutes, making the most of some dismal defending from both Lee Wallace and Charlie Mulgrew, firing past Allan McGregor from inside the area.

Steven Naismith restored parity after the half-hour mark, instinctively turning home a Tom Cairney shot from close range, but Scotland failed to build on that platform, with Canada instead looking the more likely of the two sides to find the net again. Much improvement is needed ahead of Sunday’s Hampden qualifier.

This was an opportunity for a number of fringe players to make their case for a Scotland starting spot, with much of the case trained on debutant Tom Cairney. The Fulham midfielder was assured enough in possession, but will most likely drop to the bench for Sunday’s qualifier against Slovenia.

Strachan also experimented with Charlie Mulgrew at centre back, Wallace at left back and Ikechi Anya at right back. Anya is the only one who looks to stand a chance of keeping his place.

The former Rangers winger, along with fellow Scot-turned-Canadian Scott Arfield was the best player on the pitch throughout, causing the hosts problems from start to finish. Wallace couldn’t get a grip of his former teammate, allowing him to cut inside off the wing at will. Scotland could count themselves fortunate by full-time that he finished the match with just one goal to his name.

Scotland - McGregor 6, Anya 7, Wallace 5, Berra 5, Mulgrew 5, Fletcher 5, Cairney 6, Burke 5, Snodgrass 5, Naismith 5, Martin 4. Subs - Robertson 6, Bannan 5, McGinn 5, Rhodes 5, Griffiths 5.

Canada - Thomas 6, Ledgerwood 6, Straith 6, James 5, Tissot 7, Piette 6, Arfield 7, Aird 9, Bustos 6, Hoilett 6, Jackson 6. Subs - Trafford 5, Leutwiler 5, Fisk 6, Corbin-Ong 5.

11’ GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Canada: Canada have the lead at Easter Road! A cross from the left wing is poorly cleared by Wallace and Mulgrew, and Aird is on hand to make the most of the error, finishing past McGregor.

27’ AIRD SHOULD HAVE SCORED! What a chance that was for Canada to double their lead. He dribbled along the edge of the box and shot at goal, but his effort flashed just past the post.

35’ GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Canada: The hosts have an equaliser! Wallace gets down the left side, squares a ball into the box for Cairney to shoot. Naismith sticks out a leg and directs the ball into the net to equalise for Scotland.

79’ GREAT EFFORT FROM AIRD! Once again the Canadian winger cuts inside and causes Scotland problems, sending a shot off on goal. McGregor was alert to it, though, and made the stop.