STUART Armstrong inspired Scotland to a famous win against Israel at Hampden Park tonight.
A James Forrest hat-trick sealed Scotland’s place in the Nations League play-offs as they claimed a 3-2 win over Israel at Hampden.
But Saints midfielder Armstrong was the catalyst behind the dramatic win.
The Scots got off to the worst possible start as Kayal fired the Israelis ahead just nine minutes in with a stunning 25-yard strike that flew into the top corner.
But Armstrong kick-started Scotland’s night with a bursting run from the halfway line into the Israeli penalty box midway through the first half, and his shot broke for Forrest to level.
His ability to make forward runs and passes was exactly what Scotland needed after the early blow.
Stuart Armstrong is surrounded by Israeli defenders
Scotland led at half-time after a second strike from on-form Celtic wideman Forrest.
And the Hoops’ ace put the seal on a marvellous individual display as he slotted home his third on 64 minutes to claim the match ball, finishing off from Ryan Fraser’s cross.
Stuart Armstrong (left) celebrates with hat-trick hero James Forrest
Eran Zahavi gave Israel hope with quarter of an hour left as he took advantage of space on the edge of the box to fire past Allan McGregor and cut Scotland’s lead back to one.
Armstrong, who is expected to start for Saints at Fulham on Saturday, then came off in the 76th minute.
But the home side held on to finish top of Group C1.
Saints' summer signing from Celtic was also outstanding away to Albania on Saturday and Scotland fans waxed lyrical about his performance.
Can anyone explain Stuart Armstrong substitution to me? Think I almost had an aneurysm there.... #SCOISR
— J (@dharmabum013) November 20, 2018
👏 STUART ARMSTRONG APPRECIATION TWEET 👏
— Alex Hannah (@Alex_Hannah1) November 20, 2018
Think it's worth mentioning how good Stuart Armstrong has been here also. He's run the midfield. #SCOISR
— daftpenguin (@daftpenguin) November 20, 2018
Miss Stuart Armstrong so much man what a player
— Jamie Mitchell (@jamiethetwin) November 20, 2018
Scotland players rated as Stuart Armstrong puts in another excellent performance #SPFL #Fitbaw #FNH https://t.co/mXNjPk6jKY
— Scottish Football (@ScottishFNH) November 20, 2018
Stuart Armstrong is controlling this game.
— 🍀 Gerard 🍀 (@G3WRD) November 20, 2018
Tell ya what Stuart Armstrong is your captain all for me . Scotland wur toiling in the 1st half and he dragged us up
— Steven D (@Dinobhoy86) November 20, 2018
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