GORDON STRACHAN declared it job done after watching his Scotland side warm up for Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar with a win.

It may only have been 1-0 against Northern Ireland, but the national team boss believes it has set up his players perfectly for their meeting with the minnows of Group D.

It gets the Scots back in the winning groove after a four-month lay off since their last game - a 3-1 defeat to England at Celtic Park.

Strachan also believes it was vital to have a run out on the new Hampden pitch, which has been out of commission to them since November 2013 due to the Commonwealth Games.

He said: "It was important to win this game just to make you feel good about yourself.

"And the performance, at times, was good as well. Comfortable.

"We were brave on the ball and patient at times.

"We were getting used to the pitch as well. It's a new pitch and bit slick."

It will be a different starting side on Sunday, and Strachan did not have his eyes opened by anything he saw last night"

"I got what I expected from the players," he said. "Some played a bit better than others, but that happens.

"I have a system in mind for Sunday, and it just about putting in the right players.

"We will assess them and see if everyone is okay."

Ikechi Anya looks to have already booked his place in Sunday's starting XI after last night's performance.

Strachan admitted he didn't even consider taking him off to protect him, explaining: "I was enjoying watching him play."

Overall, it was a solid team performance, and the manager said: "We started with a good attitude, and I was pleased with the number of chances we made.

"And I was delighted with the fact they didn't have many chances. But they made it very hard for us.

"If we had scored early, it would have been different.

"But we kept plugging away, doing the right things.

"There are one or two things I'd like us to do better. But, to win the game and keep a clean sheet was good."

Matt Ritchie played his part in this, delivering the corner for Christophe Berra to head home five minutes from time.

And Strachan was impressed with the debut of the Bournemouth winger.

"He got better as the game went on," said the manager.

"As he got more of the ball, he felt more comfortable.

"That's a big thing in international football, not to give the ball away.

"He can be pleased with his debut - it was far better than mine."