Strachan: Smaller players can walk tall after Ireland win

Scotland boss praises players bravery in Parkhead victory

Gordon Strachan is a very happy man today after he saw his Scotland side beat Ireland 1-0 last night in their Euro 2016 group clash at Parkhead and he's been thanking the little guys in his side for the win. The former Manchester United man feels smaller players on the side really stood up to the physical challenge posed by Martin O' Neill's outfit. 5'7 Shaun Maloney scored the game's only goal while winger Ikechi Anya also standing at just 5'7 gave Ireland huge problems down the flanks. The ex Celtic manager said afterwards: "I have to say our smaller guys, considering the height and power they were playing against, were very brave on and off the ball. There wasn't much football but any chance they had they did that. That's brave to play when the ball is flying about and the tackles are flying in everywhere. That was like one of those big heavyweight boxing matches."