Scotland dominates Liechtenstein 4-0 with Adams hat-trick and Hirst’s first international goal

Scotland secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a friendly on Tuesday, marked by a hat-trick from Ché Adams and George Hirst’s inaugural international goal. The win served as a positive response for Steve Clarke’s side following their recent defeat to Iceland.

Ipswich striker Hirst, earning his fourth cap, netted Scotland’s third goal early in the second half with a close-range finish. Torino forward Adams was the star of the show, scoring twice in the first half – significantly boosting his international tally after just one goal in 19 previous appearances – before completing his hat-trick with a header in the dying moments of the game.

The match also saw a flurry of debuts for Scotland, with Ross Doohan, Josh Doig, Andy Irving, Connor Barron, and Kieron Bowie all earning their first caps. Motherwell’s 18-year-old midfielder Lennon Miller made an impressive first start, directly contributing to two of Scotland’s goals. Goalkeeper Ross Doohan, called up unexpectedly after injuries to Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie, had a remarkably quiet evening, rarely being tested by the Liechtenstein attack.

Manager Steve Clarke made six changes to the lineup from the previous game, opting for a 4-4-2 formation. With key players Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney sidelined, Miller and Adams stepped up effectively, while Anthony Ralston, Jack Hendry, and Scott McKenna reinforced the defence.

Scotland wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Adams opening the scoring in the fourth minute. He pounced on a rebound after a blocked volley from Miller, firing the ball into the roof of the net. Adams doubled his tally in the 26th minute, again benefiting from Miller’s proactive play as the midfielder won possession and set up the striker to wrongfoot the goalkeeper. John McGinn also came close, having a shot well saved, while Liechtenstein’s only notable effort saw Kenny Kindle’s shot clear the crossbar.

After a half-time performance by a Swiss-based pipe band, the away fans were cheering again within three minutes of the restart. John McGinn struck the post from 20 yards before Adams flicked on Anthony Ralston’s cross for Hirst to convert at the back post, marking his memorable first goal for his country.

Further substitutions saw Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig and West Ham midfielder Andy Irving make their debuts just before the hour mark. Doig immediately showed his attacking intent, forcing a save down the left wing. Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and Rangers midfielder Connor Barron also entered the fray, as Scotland continued to control possession and play in the opposition half. Adams then sealed his hat-trick, heading home Tommy Conway’s near-post cross just before the final whistle.

Post-match, Steve Clarke expressed satisfaction with his team’s positive response to their recent defeat, but cautioned against drawing conclusions for their World Cup qualifying campaign in September. “I know my players. I trust my players,” Clarke told BBC Scotland, highlighting their resilience. He admitted to carrying disappointment from the home game against Iceland but hoped to “harness that” for the upcoming autumn fixtures.

Clarke also confirmed the departure of his long-serving assistant, John Carver, who is stepping down to focus on his role as head coach of Lechia Gdansk. “We’ll miss him, we’ll have to look to replace him, and that’ll be one of my jobs over the summer,” Clarke stated.