Gannon-Doak shines on debut as McGinn's goal sends Scotland top of World Cup group

Ben Gannon-Doak announced himself on the international stage as Scotland edged Haiti 1-0 at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, with John McGinn’s bundled rebound sending Steve Clarke’s side to the top of World Cup qualifying Group C.

McGinn collected the man-of-the-match award and the decisive goal, but it was the 20-year-old Bournemouth winger who made the greatest impression on a significant night for Scottish football.

The goal itself owed much to Gannon-Doak’s directness. Picking up a lay-off from Che Adams on the right wing, the youngster needed no second invitation to take on his marker, beating him around the outside before fizzing in a low cross. Adams failed to convert, but the ball fell to McGinn, who bundled it home via a fortunate deflection.

It was a fitting reward for a performance that had bristled with intent from the first whistle. Gannon-Doak created Scotland’s opening half-chance with a twisting early run and was involved moments later when a lay-off to Scott McTominay ended with the midfielder crashing a low effort against the post.

While Clarke’s side were occasionally uncertain in the first half, Gannon-Doak provided a consistent outlet — a different kind of wing threat to McGinn, who prefers to drift inside. The veteran duly demonstrated that tendency to telling effect when he opened up space in the 28th minute.

The teenager was quieter after the break but still showed flashes of danger, beating his man on two occasions and winning a threatening free-kick.

Gannon-Doak’s development has not been without setbacks. A hamstring injury and the outstanding form of Bournemouth teammates Antoine Semenyo and Rayan restricted his appearances for the Cherries across much of the season, limiting his opportunities to build consistency at club level.

Yet the raw material on show in Boston — pace, directness, and the willingness to take on defenders — points to a player who could become a genuine asset for Scotland as their World Cup qualifying campaign gathers momentum. McGinn remains the heartbeat of this side, but Gannon-Doak may yet prove to be its most exciting new dimension.