What did we learn from Scotland's draw in Denmark?

Scotland's opening World Cup qualification draw in Denmark might have lacked goals, but there were still plenty talking points amid a doughty display.

Steve Clarke's team selection and approach and the return of some familiar faces weren't welcomed by everyone but, once the dust settled, the Scots emerged with an away point against the group's top seeds.

Next up as they pursue a World Cup spot for the first time since 1998 is a trip to Hungary to face Belarus on Monday - live on the BBC.

But what did we learn from a tense contest in Copenhagen?

'Tonight looked like Clarke team'

Defensive solidity was a hallmark of the Steve Clarke Scotland teams that qualified for successive European Championships.

However, they shipped goals three against Greece and Iceland in back-to-back games earlier this year as cracks appeared in that often-dependable backline.

In Copenhagen, the battling qualities returned.

The Scots limited Denmark to two shots on target from 55 final-third entries as the visitors held their shape superbly.

When the hosts did get a sight of goal, Scotland threw bodies on the line.

"It was about staying in the game," Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn said. "We're managing games better. Tonight looked like a Steve Clarke team."

Indeed, this is the first time Scotland have registered three consecutive away clean sheets since November 2021 - a welcome return for their frugal defence.

"Scotland were happy to sit back and fight it out," former Rangers and Denmark striker Peter Lovenkrands said. "They made it so difficult for Denmark."

Hanley 'outstanding' as old favourites shine

Hanley touched the ball 12 times in the Scotland box in an admirable defensive display

A huge part of the performance were some of Clarke's most trusted soldiers.

Grant Hanley has been a feature for Scotland despite being a bit-part player at club level for over two seasons. His centre-back partner in Copenhagen - John Souttar - also tends to start for Scotland whenever he is fit and available.

They made 16 clearances and won 10 duels between them as they repelled attack after attack, frustrating the home players and crowd alike.

"It's very easy to criticise Grant Hanley - he heads everything, clears everything," McGinn said of the Hibs defender. "The back four were outstanding."

Another Scotland defensive hero - Willie Miller - praised Hanley's performance: "I thought he was outstanding, you have to hand it to him. He was never exposed."

Captain Andy Robertson is a more obvious selection, but he too played to his usual high standards, making 10 clearances and bombing forward to put eight crosses into the box.

Then completeing that back four unit was Aaron Hickey...

Hickey return 'absolute pleasure'

When Hickey and Nathan Patterson emerged, Scotland looked to have the right-back slot covered between those two immensely-talented players.

Both have been riddled with injuries in the past two years, though, forcing Scotland to either play a back three or focus most of their build-up play down the let.

But 23-year-old Hickey showed what Scotland have been missing during his 69 minutes in the Danish capital.

Demonstrating composure and quality both in defence and attack, the Brentford full-back is two-footed and provides a lovely balance to Robertson on the opposite flank.

"Aaron has had a really tough time with injuries and he showed the qualities he's got," Clarke said. "Being able to pick him again is an absolute pleasure."

"We knew 60-65 minutes would probably be all we'd get out of him, but when you see the performance, he's in fantastic physical shape and his quality showed."

Former Scotland captain Scott Brown echoed those thoughts, picking Hickey as the man who stood out in an impressive team showing.

The former Hearts and Bologna defender will be faced with more offensive responsibilities should he start on Monday, but he has the temperament and ability to adapt and shine in different situations.

Clarke's tactical flexibility on show

The formation, as well as the personnel, in Clarke's starting XI raised eyebrows.

Torino's Che Adams partnered Lyndon Dykes up front, with a flat midfield four of John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie.

Adams got through a power of work, dropping into midfield as Scotland stayed narrow and compact, seeking to frustrate Denmark and pounce on any mistake.

"I've always tried to show flexibility," Clarke said, when asked about his set-up. "That's my job, to make these calls. If I'm not brave, I might as well not be in the job.

"I maybe don't get the headlines about that, but we've always tried to change. Sometimes you've got to change to suit the opposition. It worked tonight."

Some expressed dismay at Clarke's selection pre-match, calling for Scott McKenna at centre-back, Billy Gilmour in midfield, Ben Gannon-Doak out wide and Kieron Bowie up front.

Gannon-Doak was the only one who got game time in Copenhagen and did show flashes of his explosive pace and dribbling as Scotland soaked up pressure late on.

"I think the manager is well justified in his selection," former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart said. "The one thing that is an absolute certainty is that dressing room are 100% believing and confident that the manager is the man."

Clarke hinted at changes for the Belarus match on Monday - one Scotland will be expected to win.

Might that be the time to open up and give the likes of Gannon-Doak a chance to impress from the start?