John Souttar warns not to expect ‘too much too soon’ from Scotland’s Ben Doak

John Souttar wants Ben Doak to simply enjoy his football after the teenager thrilled the tartan army on his first outing for Scotland.

The 18-year-old striker, on loan from Liverpool to Middlesbrough, started Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Croatia in Zagreb after two previous appearances as a substitute in the Nations League campaign.

Doak was involved in Ryan Christie’s opener in the 33rd minute when his cross fell to the Bournemouth midfielder’s feet through a defensive error and the former Celtic player’s pace and positivity troubled the Croatian defense before letting pass to Ryan Gauld in the 77th minute after the home team. had turned it around.

Ahead of the home game against Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, where the Scots will be looking to get off the mark in their A-League Group 1 campaign, Rangers defender Souttar revealed his admiration for Doak but is wary of putting too much expectation on his shoulders.

Souttar said: “Yeah, he was very good. It’s just important to focus on that and look at what he did without putting too much pressure on it.

“We have to let him enjoy his football and give him that freedom.

“Don’t put pressure on a young kid, just let him go out and perform. I thought he was excellent.

“He is 18 years old. He is very young. You just have to enjoy it.”

Scotland’s lead at the Maksimir Stadium was short-lived, with Igor Matanovic equalizing three minutes later.

Returning Scotland keeper Craig Gordon made a fine save from Borna Sosa in the 70th minute, only for Andrej Kramaric to head home from close range.

In the fifth minute of added time, substitute Che Adams helped Scotland put the ball in the net, but their celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled offside.

Souttar, who is making his first appearance for his country since the 4-0 defeat by the Netherlands in March, said: “It was hard to accept, especially the end. We faced a top.

“I think there were spells when we moved the ball really well. It’s hard when everyone puts so much into the game and ends up the way they do.

“I watched the last two games and I thought the boys were excellent for most of them.

“The problem has only been small details at both ends of the field.

“There is a lot of quality on the pitch at both ends: defending and attacking. They are small moments.

“It’s positive to look back. I’m sure in the next few days we’ll review the game and see.

“I think if we can play like we did and keep the belief (it will happen).

“Obviously, it’s not going to be easy. But we’re just going to have to stick together, I know it’s going to change.”

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