Ryan Christie believes Scotland were left in a no-win situation after coming from behind to beat a makeshift Czech Republic in the Nations League on Monday.
Christie scored what proved to be the eventual winner against a Czech team robbed of their regular line-up due to a coronavirus outbreak within the squad with the Scots recovering from the loss of an early goal to win 2-1 in Olomouc.
Celtic attacker Christie said: “It was a tough game. Going into the game we knew how difficult it would be. Even without them having the fans for a lot of their players it was their first cap for their country and a one in a million shot for them.
“They were going to put their all into the game and we felt that in the first 20 minutes as they came flying out the traps. We were frustrated to concede the goal but our response was very good.
“I don’t think any of us thought we were going to stroll it. It was about coming here and getting three points and continuing our unbeaten run.
“We’re delighted, we’re top of the group and it gives us plenty to build on going into next month.”
Former Caley Thistle attacker Christie’s second spot kick goal in two matches extended Steve Clarke’s side’s unbeaten run to five matches and with four victories from those five games Christie believes the national team is in good shape ahead of next month’s Nations League semi-final against Israel at Hampden.
Christie, who enjoyed two spells on loan at Aberdeen following his move to Celtic, said: “What a game to look forward to. We’ll go back to our clubs but I am sure everyone has an eye on what is coming up and it is good. We’ll all be on the same wavelength as we try to push and get the results we want.”
Christie’s penalty early in the second half was enough to give Scotland victory and the Hoops attacker was relieved to see his effort count before the Scots weathered a late flurry of attack from the gallant home side.
He said: “I made my mind up as soon as I grabbed the ball. The keeper went the right way and there was a split-second of panic but thankfully it went in. It’s an absolute honour to score for my country and hopefully I can add a few more.
“The manager has touched on the fact we will face adversity in the match and having the grittiness to hold on to the end and head and defend everything that comes at us.
“In the last 10 minutes they threw everything at us and their goalkeeper coming up for the corner kind of summed it up. It was brilliant for us to hold on and that’s the dirty part you have to do sometimes.”
