Scotland proved doubters wrong, says Craig Levein

Scotland coach Craig Levein believes his side answered some of their critics in the 3-1 victory against Australia.

Levein's side came from behind to win at Easter Road in their final warm-up match before World Cup qualifiers begin next month.

And it was also the Scots' first match since being humbled 5-1 by the United States in May.

"We played like a proper international team and deserved victory," Levein told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"People have been doubting us and I don't know why. We had one bad performance in the States and the lads themselves were hurting more than anybody about that.

Black's introduction was greeted with some boos from the crowd

"They answered any criticism [against Australia] and that should give them confidence for the next match.

"After our last performance where we didn't really get going at all, it was night day with this one and we had a lot of good [individual] performances."

Jordan Rhodes scored his first international goal to cancel out Mark Bresciano's stunning opener for Australia and a second-half own goal by Jason Davidson put the Scots ahead before Ross McCormack's late clincher.

Levein said the match gave him "food for thought" and made the task of picking a squad for next month's home matches against Serbia and Macedonia more difficult.

"With [Jordan Rhodes] playing, the emphasis became on getting the ball in the box," said Levein. "His one-touch finishes are incredible so if you don't put the ball in the box, he's not going to get a chance to score.

"I have to compliment Danny Fox and Alan Hutton. They put some great balls into the box.

"I'm really pleased for [Ross McCormack]. He's had to be very patient and the best way to show that you're capable is doing it in training, doing it in games. He certainly did that when he came on and he's been excellent in training."

Ian Black made his Scotland debut as a late substitute and he received a mixed reception with some fans booing as the Rangers midfielder came on.

Black's call-up to the squad had been controversial, coming after club team-mate Lee Wallace had been left out of the squad with Levein indicating it would be difficult for the full-back to make the squad now he was playing in the Scottish Third Division.

"People are entitled to their opinion," added Levein.

"I thank the fans for coming out. It was a horrible night and they've come out to support us. The support they gave us was great.

"The Ian Black thing was a little bit unfortunate but I'm not going to make a big deal about it."

Black insists he was not fazed by the reaction to his introduction.

"It's disappointing that it's your so-called home fans but you put it down to maybe where we are playing tonight," said the former Hearts player after his appearance at Hibernian's home ground.

"It could have been a bit of everything, but I'm big enough to get on with that and nothing was going to get in the way of me coming on tonight and enjoying every minute of it.

"It is a surprise but I've had that a lot throughout my career so I'm used to it and just get on with it.

"If you let that faze you it's going to affect you in the long run so you have got to be big enough to get on with it.

"I'm big enough to get on with it and I've proved a few people wrong there by getting the opportunity."