Scotland manager Steve Clarke insisted there was room for improvement after admitting his side were “caught unbalanced” in a 1-0 defeat to Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Substitute Junya Ito scored the only goal of the game with less than 10 minutes remaining in a contest the visitors largely dominated.

The hosts began both halves brightly and saw good chances from Scott McTominay and captain Andy Robertson go begging before Japan, who themselves hit the woodwork and missed a several opportunities, won the match late on.

Clarke admitted the result was disappointing but praised the efforts of his players as they look ahead to competing at their first World Cup finals since 1998.

The Scotland boss said: “[There was] a lot to take from the performance. One or two things we could do better.

“To lose it on the goal we lost was disappointing. It looked as though the game would peter out to a 0-0 draw, we got caught unbalanced.

“We defended well against a really good side and the midfield was strong, but we can still be more progressive.”

‘We’ll learn loads’

Defender Jack Hendry similarly opted to see the bigger picture, acknowledging that the game was a useful point of reference ahead of this summer’s tournament.

“It was a good test for us, Japan are a good side,” he said.

“Obviously [we are] disappointed with the result, but going into the World Cup it’s good to play these opponents.

“It was a good run out, we’ll learn loads from that and get better. We can’t be too disappointed – we’ve got a lot to work on and improve but I’m sure we’ll do well.”

Scotland are next in action when they meet Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in another friendly on Tuesday evening.