Scotland manager Steve Clarke faced an uncomfortable afternoon at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as his side fell to Ivory Coast in Tuesday's friendly. Despite the impressive venue, which hosted former Scottish greats like Dalglish and Ferguson in the stands, the performance did not match the setting. Clarke spent much of the match searching for answers following the friendly defeat.

Nicolas Pepe’s 12th-minute strike proved the difference, catching Scotland cold after they had started the game reasonably well. Clarke reacted immediately, issuing three claps and scratching his beard before cajoling Ross McCrorie for poor positioning during the build-up. The team shown featured nine changes from the previous match against Japan, suggesting tactical experimentation was underway.

Coaching staff members Steven Naismith and Alan Irvine were active pitchside, offering counsel to players like Billy Gilmour and George Hirst. However, the team’s effort in the second half devolved into panic in the final third, leading to boos from sections of the travelling support at the final whistle. The manager has considerable reflection required after this friendly loss.

Returning to their colossal ground, the players met scores of young fans seeking autographs, contrasting sharply with the manager’s gloomy mood. Clarke departs Liverpool with clear indications of areas needing immediate attention before competitive fixtures commence, particularly the lack of composure in attack.