Lawrence Shankland staked his claim for a World Cup start with a brace in Scotland’s 4-1 friendly win against 10-man Curacao on Saturday.
Steve Clarke utilised his squad as promised with several regulars rested but the visitors, managed by 78-year-old former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat, took the lead in the 17th minute through a fine Tahith Chong goal.
Curacao striker Jurgen Locadia was sent off a for a late challenge on Scotland defender Aaron Hickey in the 37th minute, following a VAR intervention.
The departure of injured midfielder Billy Gilmour just before the break caused concern for the Tartan Army but replacement Findlay Curtis soon levelled with a drive, his first goal for the national team in his second appearance.
Shankland struck twice in five minutes early in the second half before Ryan Christie added a fourth from the spot, giving the Scots their first home friendly win in 10 years.
Scotland’s final warm-up game is against Bolivia in New Jersey next Saturday before they return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil their group stage opponents in the United States.
Curacao face Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast in their maiden World Cup participation.
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