Che Adams: Can hat-trick ignite striker’s Scotland career?

Adams made his debut in March 2021, coming off the bench during a 2-2 draw against Austria in their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign opener.

His first goal came two games later against the Faroe Islands, but, like many Scotland forwards, he has struggled for consistency in front of goal.

At the time, he was playing Premier League football with Southampton.

Only four of his nine goals have come in competitive games, but he does contribute when not scoring, averaging a goal or assist every 3.5 games.

A sole strike in a 4-1 win over Armenia in the Nations League in June 2022 was his last competitive contribution to a side void of attacking input.

He has also scored in seven different games for Scotland, who have never lost a game when he gets on the scoresheet.

Adams, however, has been routinely called upon by Clarke to pitch in up top, and tonight was an indication as to why.

“It will be great for his confidence,” former Scotland captain Scott Brown told BBC Scotland.

“I know every striker is judged on goals, but at the same time, it’s his performance and work rate as well.

“What he does for the team, too, his hold-up play and link-up play have been really, really good for Scotland.

“That’s why the manager chose to start him today, to get three goals is pretty much the icing on the cake with the last literal touch of the ball as well.”