Man BY Man

Apr 2 2009 Gary Ralston

Craig Gordon

7 Allan McGregor went for a bucketful of booze so George Burley opted for a Gordon's. The tonic was the calm and assured confidence he brought on a rare start after finding himself out in the cold at Sunderland recently.

Helpless at equaliser but crucial 89th-minute stop from Hreidarsson preserved precious three points.

Alan Hutton 8

Was up and down more often than the vodka optic at Cameron House and his surging, galloping runs into the heart of the Iceland defence finally paid off just before the break with a wonderful assist for McCormack's opener. Defensively, didn't always appreciate Gudjohnsen menacing around on the left but coped well enough on first start for months.

Gary Caldwell 7

Concentration was key for the defender who was never going to be overworked with Iceland committing only Smarason in attack, although Gudjohnsen drifted here and there between midfield and attack. Never exposed, although the visitors did cause occasional concern on the counter in the first half and looked more potent in the second.

Stephen McManus 6

A performance that's bound to split opinion again on the merits of skipper. Looked so commanding in first half as match ball barely dusted Gordon's gloves but was done within 10 minutes of the restart when drawn in too tight to Palmason, who spun off and fired in the shot that led to equaliser. Minutes later he popped up with vital assist at Fletcher's second. Make your own mind up.

Gary Naysmith 6

If he was an alcoholic drink he'd be a pint of heavy - nothing flashy, but gets the job done.

Solid and dependable on the left and McCormack was free to work his magic further forward knowing his back would always be covered. Stunning injury-time tackle helped secured win.

Darren Fletcher 7

Worked harder than the Home Secretary's remote control after midnight but didn't quite bring as much joy. Mind you, unlike Jacqui Smith's husband, he had no need to apologise. Set a fair tempo in middle of the park. Little joy through the middle but kept his wide men in decent possession offensively.

Scott Brown 6

Former Corries frontman Ronnie Browne proved pre-match he looks like Kenny Rogers and sing like Ted and it's time Celtic midfielder Scott stood up and proved he's the real deal. Boundless energy frequently created disorder in the opposition defence but final pass still too often frustrates and he can't translate the positive aspects of his work in other areas of the field into the final third.

James Morrison 6

Forget Iceland, Morrison's always been the better option. Linked well with Hutton down the right and on occasions when he ran at the Iceland defence he had them on the turn.

Iceland won't be too happy with decision that allowed him to claim corner that led to winner, but bright enough to earn pass marks, despite late miss.

Ross McCormack 8

Display was as eye-catching as his red boots and goal was reward for his industry and energy.

There's a touch of the Glasgow gallus about him that endears him to fans and confidence clearly not lacking as he took on his full-back at almost every turn. Burley looks to have found a player who can make a difference.

Kenny Miller 6

His confidence, unlike Barry Ferguson's hotel bed, is beginning to look a little ruffled. Passed up a glorious opportunity when he elected to cross for Fletcher after defence-splitting pass from Morrison gave him a rare sight of goal.

However, can never be accused of hiding. Ran channels dutifully and always showed for team-mates, but clearly needs a goal.

Steven Fletcher 6

A half-chance in the opening stages was as close as he came to a goal early on and just as it looked as if he was struggling, up he popped with the winner. Showed his poacher's instincts in the six yard box after earlier being forced to furrow for possession around the fringes of the danger zone.

Substitutes:

Gary Teale 3

On for Fletcher in closing stages and worked well wide left as McCormack switched inside to partner Miller. Helped Scotland keep their shape and defensive discipline.

Gavin Rae 2

Injury-time replacement for the tiring Morrison as Scotland held on by the skin of their teeth.

Not used: Berra, Clarkson, Whittaker.

Not boozed: McGregor, Ferguson.

Iceland: Gunnleifsson, Danielsson, Kristjan O Sigurdsson, I Sigurdsson (Bjornsson 80), Eiriksson, Steinsson, A Gunnarsson (E Jonsson 70), Helguson, Palmason, Gudjohnsen, Smarason.

Not used: Arason, Gudmundsson, R Sigurdsson, Gunnarson, Bjarnason.

Referee: T Einwaller (Austria).

Taken from the Daily Record