CRAIG GORDON (6) Apart from a couple of shots straight at him, a very quiet evening for the Scotland No.1

KIERAN TIERNEY (6) Deployed in the right-back berth he has excelled in, was bundled over by Robert Mak in the box after eight minutes for what should have been a penalty. Steady the full game but not quite his rampaging best.

CHRISTOPHE BERRA (7) Had Hampden on its feet with a downward bullet header that Dubravka had no right to claw away. At the back had little to do.

Read more: Scots in the pink on night of drama at Hampden

CHARLIE MULGREW (6) Often left as a loan centre-half as Berra went marauding forward in the search of that game-winning goal.

ANDY ROBERTSON (8) Gave Pekarik a torrid time down the left and took a sore one in the hand for his trouble. Deliveries were on the money, even if in the first half there was little to aim at. Showed great attacking intent.

JAMES FORREST (5) Substituted midway through the second half. So often a favourite of the Scotland manager, struggled to make his mark

Read more: Strachan tells Hampden heroes: Don't stop believing as World Cup journey is still alive​

JAMES MORRISON (6) An industrious but subdued performance until Scotland turned up the heat in the last hour. Thought he’d won it as the ball broke to him with 17 minutes left six yards out. Dubravka had other ideas.

DARREN FLETCHER (6) Brought back in for his first game since Wembley and handed the captain’s armband. Took a bad clatter to the head and was eventually swapped for McArthur as he tired.

BARRY BANNAN (7) Preferred to Callum McGregor, Strachan’s faith in him looked dubious during an isolated first half. However, became a real key player in the second half.

Read more: Chris Martin dreaming of further heroics after latest vital contribution to Scotland's World Cup bid

MATT PHILLIPS (5) The West Brom winger had been a ball of energy against Malta and Lithuania. Here he looked out of place on the right of the Scotland midfield. Didn’t influence the game and provide the energy in the middle of the park that we so badly needed.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS (7) Only a world-class save from that man Dubravka stopped the Celtic man opening the scoring with a curling left-footer. Stung the palms of the Slovakian goalie with a piledriver from 25 yards. Went so close with yet another free-kick with less than 20 to go which cannoned off the bar.

SUBSTITUTES:

CHRIS MARTIN (7) The man who was booed on before his winner against Slovenia was greeted after an hour with a hushed murmur of nervousness. Came painfully close to a precious goal with 30-yard curler off the crossbar. Was in the right place at the right time to help bundle the ball into the net at the death.

Read more: Scotland's play-off dream remains alive after late Chris Martin goal at Hampden​

JAMES McARTHUR (4) Took the place of Fletcher as the clock sat at 80.

IKECHI ANYA (4) On for Tierney with nine to play. Brilliant ball for the winner