SCOTLAND remain a work in progress.

But at least we now appear to have the right men for the job, operating under a shrewd gaffer.

The players assembled by Gordon Strachan have bonded to provide a solid platform from which to build a challenge for qualification to the finals of Euro 2016.

"There's a lot they can be pleased about in the last year," said Strachan, deflecting the credit towards his men.

"It's been a great journey, and we are starting to look more like a club side."

Since taking over from Craig Levein at the beginning of 2012, Strachan has sent out his team to win half of the dozen games played.

Those victories include a double against Croatia in the World Cup qualifying group which was already a lost cause before he was appointed.

It is an impressive strike rate, especially for a team in transition.

And it could have been even better had ring-rust and tired minds not allowed Nigeria to snatch a last-minute equaliser at Craven Cottage on Tuesday and deny Scotland their fourth consecutive win on the road.

Strachan was clearly frustrated Grant Hanley spurned the opportunity to hoof the ball to safety after it had broken loose in the box.

But on reflection the manager understood the big defender - who had already watched a shot hit off him and veer into the net - feared he would cannon the ball off Nnamdi Oduamadi as the Nigerian challenged him for it, and risk it rebounding into the six-yard area.

At the other end of the pitch, Strachan saw plenty to offset the defensive lapses.

The sight of Derby's physically-commanding Chris Martin slotting straight in when making his debut as a second-half sub was a highlight.

It means Scotland now have a Plan B if the small-man-up-foraging fails to cut it.

For some time now, Steven Naismith has been that point of attack.

But even the Everton star is delighted - maybe even relieved - that another viable option is now available.

He is confident that Martin, like his Rams team-mate Craig Bryson who also won his first cap, will benefit from the experience.

Naismith said: "Every time someone new comes into the squad, they have got to get the feeling of what it is like.

"They have also got to settle into the way we work, how we train, and the way the manager wants us to play.

"They have got to pick up, and, at this level, you have to pick it up quickly.

"It brings more competition for places."

The newcomers also got a taste of the fervour which international football can generate, with the 20,000 who turned up at Craven Cottage making themselves heard.

"The Nigerians were very lively, as were the Scotland fans," said Naismith.

"The manager spoke to us all immediately after Wednesday's game to say it was a great three days, for the time of year it was.

"He was delighted with the way we trained and the tempo we did everything.

"He also had a word with me just to say what a great season I've had for my club and that he is delighted with the way I have contributed for Everton and for Scotland."