CMS helps Scotland draw (From The Argus)

CMS helps Scotland draw

8:30am Thursday 1st March 2012 in Albion

Craig Mackail-Smith brought his hustle and bustle to the international stage last night – and helped Scotland earn a 1-1 friendly draw in Slovenia.

The Albion striker’s willingness to chase helped force the corner from which Christophe Berra headed the Scots level on 39 minutes.

Mackail-Smith started as lone striker in a 4-5-1 set-up as skipper Kenny Miller was rested after his Carling Cup final exertions on Sunday.

However Jamie Mackie got forward to offer him welcome support.

The Seagulls star was taken off after an hour as Leeds’ Robert Snodgrass replaced him.

Mackail-Smith worked hard without getting a clear chance although he saw a decent effort blocked after a run into the right channel Boss Craig Levein is convinced the trip away will have helped members of the Scotland squad.

Levein said: “This experience is invaluable to the players. When we come away in similar situations in the World Cup qualifying campaign, it’s good to recall this and remember we played a good match.

“We have got the players together for three or four days, we have had a good experience, we have cemented some relationships on the pitch.”

Meanwhile on-loan Albion striker Sam Vokes went on as substitute midway through the second half as Wales lost 1-0 at home to Costa Rica.