Scotland went to Germany on the again of a grim run of kind, although, and additional disappointment got here their means in the summertime, as did a barrage of criticism for the pinnacle coach for a pedestrian type of play.
A change of strategy was demanded and it has come within the type of a change to a 4-2-3-1 form, with Doak including much-needed tempo and drive out broad.
Late concessions at residence in opposition to Poland and in Portugal, plus a slim defeat in Croatia, denied the Scots factors of their opening three Nations League video games.
However seven factors from their remaining matches in opposition to the identical opposition ended the marketing campaign on a excessive and prevented automated relegation.
“Clarke’s change of system has introduced extra freedom,” former Scotland midfielder John Collins stated on BBC Sportsound.
“The gamers look extra snug in possession they usually have extra choices in entrance of them. John Souttar seems like a global centre-back now and Doak has given us tempo, energy and penetration.”
In the meantime, ex-Scotland ahead James McFadden added: “We do not have strikers who will rating each recreation, however now we have a supervisor who will discover a approach to get the perfect out of gamers.
“He is constructed a very robust squad and we are able to stay up for World Cup qualifying now no matter our group.”
