The formation, as well as the personnel, in Clarke’s starting XI raised eyebrows.
Torino’s Che Adams partnered Lyndon Dykes up front, with a flat midfield four of John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie.
Adams got through a power of work, dropping into midfield as Scotland stayed narrow and compact, seeking to frustrate Denmark and pounce on any mistake.
“I’ve always tried to show flexibility,” Clarke said, when asked about his set-up. “That’s my job, to make these calls. If I’m not brave, I might as well not be in the job.
“I maybe don’t get the headlines about that, but we’ve always tried to change. Sometimes you’ve got to change to suit the opposition. It worked tonight.”
Some expressed dismay at Clarke’s selection pre-match, calling for Scott McKenna at centre-back, Billy Gilmour in midfield, Ben Gannon-Doak out wide and Kieron Bowie up front.
Gannon-Doak was the only one who got game time in Copenhagen and did show flashes of his explosive pace and dribbling as Scotland soaked up pressure late on.
“I think the manager is well justified in his selection,” former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart said. “The one thing that is an absolute certainty is that dressing room are 100% believing and confident that the manager is the man.”
Clarke hinted at changes for the Belarus match on Monday – one Scotland will be expected to win.
Might that be the time to open up and give the likes of Gannon-Doak a chance to impress from the start?
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