CHE ADAMS waited eight games before he scored his first goal for Scotland when he tucked away Nathan Patterson’s right-wing cross for the second killer goal in Moldova five nights ago.
And the powerhouse striker staged an action replay when he thumped in the crucial second strike that downed Denmark at a packed Hampden on Monday evening as he made certain of another two-goal triumph that secured Steve Clarke’s men a home play-off semi-final in March in their quest for a place in the World Cup Finals in Qatar next winter.
Twenty-five-year-old Adams performed admirably in the lone marksman’s role with Queens Park Rangers’ Lyndon Dykes missing out as the Scots chalked up their sixth successive international victory.
THREE CHEERS…Joe Jordan is flanked by delighted Scotland team-mates Tommy Hutchinson and Billy Bremner after heading the second goal in the 2-1 win over Czechoslovakia at Hampden in September 1973 to book a place in the World Cup Finals in West Germany the following year.
The Leicester-born frontman, who qualifies to play for Scotland through his maternal grandmother, looks like being the answer to the nation’s prayers with his energetic running, ability to hold the ball up and his willingness to get in where it hurts.
Scottish international fans of another generation will see the similarities of another fearsome attack-leader, Joe Jordan, the former Leeds United and Manchester United frontman, who became a main player for Willie Ormond, Ally MacLeod and Jock Stein during their years in charge.
Coincidentally, Big Joe, affectionately known as ‘Jaws’ to the Tartan Army, also played for Adams’ current club, Southampton.
Scotland followers are hoping that will not be the only similarity. Jordan is the only Scot to have scored in three succesive World Cup Finals – 1974 in West Germany, 1978 in Argentina and 1982 in Spain.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Adams could emulate that feat?
BY THE RIGHT…Che Adams strikes the ball for the Denmark net as defenders can only look on.
ON ITS WAY…the ball takes off from the striker’s right boot en route to the back of Kasper Schmeichel’s net.
OFF AND RUNNING…Adams races away to take the applause from the ecstatic Tartan Army.
HAMPDEN HERO…Adams celebrates as John McGinn prepares to join in.
NO FLAGGING…Adams slides towards the corner flag in celebration.
IT TAKES TWO…McGinn arrives to get the lowdown on the 86th-minute strike.
ON COURSE FOR QATAR 2022…Che Adams is congratulated by team-mates John McGinn, Callum McGregor and Scott McKenna after his goal secured a Hampden return for the play-off semi-final in March.
