With the mood around the national team a bit edgy, this game had the feel of a no-win situation for Clarke and his players.
Of course they had to win, but they needed a few more positives to come out of it than just that.
Clarke will be pleased to have got a few. Firstly, Adams scoring a treble was a big boost given no Scotland striker had scored for the national side in a year.
Hirst also grabbed an instinctive first international goal, capping a decent two games for the Ipswich striker on his first couple of starts.
There was also the performance of 18-year-old Miller, who although the level of opponent was weaker than the Scottish Premiership sides he faces every week, impressed.
He was crucial in Adams' second goal, with his pressure and then pass, teeing the striker up to give Scotland breathing space.
There were other flashes from him, too. Whether it was a couple of piercing passes into forward players, or one-two combinations out wide to get Scotland moving forward, he was in the thick of the action.
There were also debuts for Andy Irving, Josh Doig, Connor Barron, and Kieron Bowie.
Clarke said these games would have no bearing on how they start the World Cup qualifiers, but the Scotland boss will be grateful to be heading for the holidays on a brighter note.