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I know all the talk is of experimenting and finding the right blend in friendlies but delivering a win tonight was important for Alex McLeish, after a meek start against Costa Rica and with three tough games to come before the business gets serious against Israel and Albania in the Nations League.

The first half was scrappy on a terrible pitch in Budapest and it looked like it might have been one of those nights when Charlie Mulgrew missed from the penalty spot.

But once Matt Phillips tucked away a tidy goal, Scotland grew in confidence.

A step in the right direction. Now to build on that promise...

Scotland have two more friendlies lined up at the end of the domestic season, with a long-haul trip for games against Peru and Mexico, then Belgium come to Hampden in early September.

Brendan Rodgers has already done some grumbling about the Peru and Mexico fixtures, so we might see the Celtic contingent and a few others excused from summer duties.

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

Alex McLeish did the right thing by blooding as many younger players as he could. He stuck with one formation in the two games, he will experiment with other formations in the friendlies to come.

They are building up to the competitive games.

St Mirren take a huge step towards promotion as they move 14 points clear at the top of the Championship after a comfortable night in Paisley.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Inverness CT 1-0 Dundee Utd

St Mirren 5-0 Dumbarton

LEAGUE ONE

Albion Rovers 1-2 Arbroath

Raith Rovers 2-0 East Fife

LEAGUE TWO

Berwick Rangers 2-2 Elgin City

Cowdenbeath 0-3 Clyde

Stirling Albion 2-2 Edinburgh City

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC Sportsound

When we think about right-backs, and is Callum Paterson defensively minded enough to play there, what about Phil Bardsley?

He's got another campaign in him. Defensively sound. You could be looking at him in the squad.

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Use @bbcsportscot on Twitter...

Greenday: Thought Armstrong was easily man of the match tonight. Hungary enjoyed a shirt pull.

David Holland: Thought Hungary kicked us off the park.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on Sportsound

It's a worthwhile experiment with that result, we have to enjoy the moment. That result relieves pressure. We were looking at every angle of that team selection, there were young boys in.

We had to win the game to take the pressure off. You can understand why Alex McLeish might not want to go to a back four as he would have to drop one of his best players in either Kieran Tierney or Andy Robertson.

If they're both fit they have to both be in the team.

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC Sportsound

We don't need to rip it up and start again - we were unbeaten in 2017, it just didn't fall right.

The nucleus of the Celtic team is still going to be important. I had a laugh when Alex McLeish was talking about going for a more experienced team tonight - it was pretty marginal! There wasn't much difference in terms of experience from Friday.

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

With Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry playing so well, you'd want an experienced player in there too. Charlie Mulgrew is usually reliable in there, he does use the ball well and he has a cool head. Alex McLeish played three at the back quite regularly last time he was in charge. He could still change it.

These two games are experimental. The next three games, he has the opportunity to play four at the back and I'd like to see him do that to see if the two youngsters can handle that.

The formation didn't suit Ryan Fraser. He couldn't get forward as often as we'd like to see.

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Scotland manager Alex McLeish talking to BBC Scotland: "I was disappointed on Friday, I hate to lose but I have got to say, they continued where they left off. the tempo was tremendous, we had players really confident and using the ball. We had some great performances, every player to a man.

"You could say it wasn't going to happen for us when we missed the penalty but we were in control of our emotions and they came back. It's massive. It gives them the evidence that they can win a football match.

"They virtually controlled it. We had one slip, I have nothing but praise for everybody. We played some players with more experience and knowledge of each other.

"Scott McKenna was amazing tonight, I thought big Jack Hendry was very cool and calm and confident.

"When I took the job I said I thought we had players with good athleticism and speed, but could we find a system to play with tempo and win the ball back immediately? There was real intensity tonight."

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Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC Sportsound

Scott McKenna has got something and he's starting to show it. We've been crying out for centre-halves and Jack Hendry was promising too.

The midfield was the startling difference for me. The guys in there tonight were obvious selections. Look at the difference McGinn, Armstrong and McGregor made.

But I'm not sure about this formation at all. I don't think three at the back and two up top suits this team.

Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong: "Both teams wanted to win, we had some making up to do from Friday, there was lots of aggression in the game. It will take time to get used to a new formation but that's what these friendlies are all about."

Scotland forward Matt Phillips: "I definitely enjoyed that, we played some really good stuff. You can see the boys gelling. We're delighted to win the game.

"It's important for us to start winning games. It's a new group, it will take time but there are plenty of positives."

Gary Nicolson, external Hendry & McKenna were class all night but we lacked threat up top again in this formation. 4-3-3 with pace on the wings for me

Graham Watt, external McKenna; that’s our new cb - solid at the back and has great passing range too, well deserved man of the match

Bob Barclay, external A lot of positives from tonight's game

Steven Lyall, external Jack Hendry n Scott McKenna excellent in defence

Lewis Boyd, external What a performance. What a result. The future is bright under Big Eck

Tonight's BBC TV coverage of the Scotland game has now concluded but is more reaction on Sportsound on BBC Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB/online...

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Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

I thought Scott McKenna was excellent again, his rise from obscurity has been amazing. He didn't put a foot wrong and showed a lot of maturity. He has been the stand-out find.

The goal was an excellent team goal and Matt Phillips reacted perfectly. It's a really good night for Scotland, they can take a lot of positives from it.

"We're getting used to the formation a bit more and hopefully in the summer we carry that on," says man-of-the-match Scott McKenna.

"They tried to batter us about, but we stood strong.

"It's a massive achievement for me to be here and I want to stay."

The 21-year-old Aberdeen defender has looked the part in back-to-back internationals, having made his debut against Costa Rica on Friday.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland in Budapest

That was more like it from Scotland, a much better display which had a number of encouraging outcomes.

Matt Phillips was effective in an unfamiliar striker role and delivered the winner.

In defence, debutant Jack Hendry was impressive as was Scott McKenna once again. However, there is room for improvement as there were one or two lapses that might have undermined Scotland’s night.

It has to be said though that Hungary are a poor international side. They were ideal opposition for a Scotland side looking for some momentum.

It was a useful experience and one which Alex McLeish can learn a great deal from.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on Sportsound

Image source, PA

It has been comfortable for Scotland, just the one fright when Charlie Mulgrew lost the ball but you can only beat what is in front of you.