Scott Brown’s fine form for Celtic is certainly appreciated by everyone at the club but two years on from his last international he is still a notable loss for Scotland.
Midfield is an area that Steve Clarke is well off for options but no one quite carries themselves with the authority of the Celtic captain.
Brown has been enjoying some well-earned rest since Celtic’s victory over Motherwell and probably watched this afternoon’s action from Cyprus from his home.
With Scott McTominay and Ryan Fraser out injured Clarke opted to bring in Ryan Jack for his competitive debut at the age of 27.
John McGinn and Ryan Christie got the goals while Callum McGregor put in his usual 8/10 performance, playing the last 20 minutes as captain after Steven Naismith picked up an injury.
Jack’s inclusion came with great expectations, none more so than from Neil McCann who, before the match told Radio Scotland:
Declan Gallagher is mobile, good on the ball, and the two centre-backs are very good in the air and attack the ball. I like the look of the team, and I’m really pleased Ryan Jack is in there – he’s got something I think we’ve missed since Scott Brown. A real winning mentality.
Jack had what could be called a quiet game, maybe the quality of his team-mates came as a surprise to him but unless he gets the job as Hearts manager it looks like McCann could be back in punditry on a long-term basis.