Former Hatter O'Donnell helps Scotland qualify for European Championships

Former Hatter Stephen O'Donnell played his part as Scotland's ended their 23-year absence from major tournaments after beating Serbia on penalties last night to qualify for the European Championships.

The 28-year-old, who had a two year spell at Kenilworth Road between June 2015-2017, playing 72 times and scoring four goals, won his 15th cap in the play-off final.

A quiet first half saw John McGinn's tame effort saved by Predrag Rajkovic smothered at the second attempt, while Sasa Lukic's drive was inches wide for the hosts.

After the break, Andy Robertson blazed over, before Steve Clarke's side had the lead on 57 minutes when Callum McGregor played in Ryan Christie who found the net via the inside of the post.

Scotland might have had another McGregor and Christie agonisingly close, before Serbia ramped up the pressure late on.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Alexsander Mitrovic and Luka Jovic all put headers wide, before they levelled at the death, Jovic beating David Marshall to make it 1-1.

In extra time, Nemanja Gudelj's dipping drive brought out a brilliant diving save from Marshall and Aleksandar Katai saw two attempts fly off target.

O'Donnell was then replaced by Leigh Griffiths with three minutes to, the Celtic striker taking the first penalty of the shoot-out, with Marshall denying Mitrovic to put Scotland through 5-4.

They now go into the same group as England, Czech Republic and Croatia in the tournament which has been delayed for 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic and starts in June 2021.