Steven Naismith was the hero last night as Scotland won their opening Nations League group match.

The Hearts forward’s deflected effort was followed up by a second header to hand Alex McLeish’s side a 2-0 win over Albania at Hampden.

Jambos skipper John Souttar also impressed on a night where he won his second cap, forming part of a back three that kept a clean sheet.

Having had a goal chalked off for offside, Naismith forced Scotland into the lead two minutes after half time. Andy Robertson’s cross from the left was met by Naisy, whose header was diverted into his own net by Albania’s Berat Xhimshiti.

If there was doubt about whether or not the goal belonged to the 47-times capped striker, there was none about the second. John McGinn’s corner wasn’t dealt with by the Albania ‘keeper, allowing Naisy to steer home a header into an empty net.

Scotland return to Nations League action on October 11th in Israel.

Meanwhile, Michael Smith’s Northern Ireland face Israel in a friendly match this evening.

Smith was an unused sub in Saturday’s Nations League defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina and will be hoping to add a second cap at Windsor Park.