A magnificent international break for Motherwell’s players ended on Wednesday with further success.
Declan Gallagher and Stephen O’Donnell both started again for Scotland and came home after contributing heavily to three wins and three clean sheets for the national team.
Both impressed again as Ryan Fraser’s goal was enough to defeat the Czech Republic 1-0 at Hampden in the UEFA Nations League, following on from a 1-0 win over Slovakia in the same competition and a penalties win over Israel in the UEFA Euro 2020 play-off semi-final.
Scotland now top their UEFA Nations League group as they play for promotion to League A and, should they continue their positive results, could guarantee themselves a 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off position.
Steve Clarke’s side are also preparing for their UEFA Euro 2020 play-off final match with Serbia in November, with Gallagher and O’Donnell very much in contention to take part.
Full list of Motherwell FC’s all-time Scotland internationals
Trevor Carson was prepared to be on the bench for Northern Ireland as they headed to Norway for their final UEFA Nations League match of the break.
However, an injury to Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the warm-up saw the ‘Well keeper drafted in at the last minute for his first international appearance in almost two years.
Norway won 1-0 on the night, but Carson impressed between the sticks as he looks to claim a place in the team for their UEFA Euro 2020 play-off final in November.
Barry Maguire got himself on the scoresheet for Scotland Under 21s, as they kept up the pressure at the top of their group with a 7-0 win in San Marino.
Fraser Hornby became the highest-ever scorer for the age level with a hat-trick, with ex-Well man David Turnbull also grabbing a goal.
Allan Campbell missed the game through suspension, with PJ Morrison on the bench.
Bevis Mugabi returned on Tuesday from a warm-weather training camp in Dubai, as his Uganda side gear up for crucial AFCON qualifiers in November.