A THIRD consecutive victory under Gordon Strachan may have eluded Scotland at Hampden last night.

But the resurgence the national team has experienced under the guidance of Strachan continued in the friendly match against the United States.

They controlled the meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann's side for long spells and were unfortunate not to be rewarded for their efforts with at least one goal and a win.

Only some fine goalkeeping from the United States captain Tim Howard and some less than clinical finishing prevented them building on the triumphs over Macedonia and Croatia.

However, the showing against opponents who have played in the last six World Cup finals was further evidence they can approach the Euro 2016 qualifiers with confidence.

Strachan picked a strong starting line-up and there was a welcome return to action for fit-again Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher.

It was the prolific hit man's first appearance for his country since he injured himself in the World Cup qualifier with Wales at Hampden back in March.

The 26-year-old played up front by himself with Robert Snodgrass of Norwich City just off him in his manager's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Elsewhere, Celtic duo Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew reprised their central midfield partnership that had worked so effectively this season.

Gordon Greer, who has been performing well for Brighton in the SkyBet Championship, was given the chance to show what he is capable of at centre half.

Greer started alongside Grant Hanley of Blackburn Rovers in the heart of the rearguard while Russell Martin of Norwich City was relegated to the bench.

Craig Conway, the former Dundee United midfielder, was another current Brighton player to be included in the side which kicked off.

Experienced internationalists like Alan Hutton, Steven Whittaker and Barry Bannan also made the team while David Marshall got the nod to play in goals.

Fletcher and Snodgrass combined well to create the first real scoring chance of the game for either team in the 11th minute.

Snodgrass picked out his team-mate unmarked in the United States penalty box and supplied the ball to him with the outside of his right foot.

Fletcher managed to outjump Geoff Cameron of Stoke City and angle a header towards the opposition goal. But his effort sailed high and wide.

Scotland were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the United States penalty box in the 24th minute when Omar Gonzales brought down Fletcher.

Mulgrew was, with his lethal dead ball delivery, the logical choice to take it. His curling left foot attempt, though, did not trouble Howard and flew over the crossbar.

Conway should have given the home team the lead in the 36th minute after a well-worked attacking move once again involving Snodgrass and Fletcher.

Fletcher teed the winger up for a shot at goal he had time and space to compose himself and should really have buried his chance. However, he pulled a poor effort wide of the left post.

Scotland were hardly troubled defensively in the opening 45 minutes. Hanley and Greer were alert to their rivals' forays upfield and snuffed them out quickly.

Jozy Altidore of Sunderland, a physical presence in the United States team, managed to get a shot on target early in the second half. But the forward's shot was directly at Marhsall who gathered it easily.

Scotland responded to that passage of play by charging up the other end of the park and winning a free-kick on the edge of the area. Conway was brought down by Brad Evans.

Bannan took it and cut the ball back to Mulgrew. He had scored with an idential set piece move in the friendly against Estonia at Pittodrie and his is shot was on target.

However, Howard was equal to it.

The Everton goalkeeper and United States skipper, then did superbly to tip a Snodgrass free-kick that was heading for the top left corner wide of goal in the 53rd minute.

The friendly really came to life in the second half after a flat first half.

Altidore went close with a powerful drive on the hour mark that left Marshall with no chance.

Strachan then made three substitutions in a bid to snatch the lead and a win. He replaced Snodgrass, Whittaker, Bannan and Conway with Ross McCormack, Lee Wallace, Steven Naismith and Gary Mackay-Steven.

Mulgrew needed medical attention after Mix Diskerud hurt his right leg in a challenge.

The Celtic man eventually carried on after walking off the knock. Hanley denied Altidore, the visitors' most impressive player by far, in the closing stages of the game with a desperate clearance inside the six yard box as an empty net beckoned.

And Aron Johannsson, who had replaced Sacha Kljestan, should have buried a shot shortly after that when he burst into the penalty box.

However, those near things could not detract from what was another polished performance from Scotland and Strachan's men left the field with their heads held high as they now look towards Norway.