Strachan watches on as youngsters play out stalemate

Scotland's under 21s continued their solid start to the Euro 2017 qualifying campaign with a goalless draw at home to Iceland.

Gordon Strachan was in the stands at Pittodrie to watch the Scotland youngsters as they played out a stalemate with the current Group 3 leaders.

In a game bereft of many real clear cut chances, Ryan Christie and Jason Cummings came closest for the hosts but were both denied by goalkeeper Frederik Schram.

Scotland were without a number of key players for this qualifier. Sporting Lisbon's Ryan Gauld was suspended after being sent off in the loss to France on Saturday, while Ryan Fraser was ruled out through injury. 

Head coach Ricky Sbragia made three changes from the weekend. Reading's Dominic Hyam came in for Stuart Findlay at centre-half with Jay Fulton and Billy King replacing Craig Slater and Gauld in midfield. 

In the first half Scotland probably had the better of the possession, but they rarely threatened the Scandinavians' goalmouth.

Jason Cumming, Sam Nicholson and John McGinn all had long range efforts saved by Schram, without ever really troubling him.

Despite Scotland's higher shot tally throughout the first period, the best chances of the half fell to the visitors.

At the half hour mark a well worked free kick whipped in by left back Boovar Boovarsson should have been finished by Prandarson. However the striker failed to get enough on his header and it sailed wide of the post.

Iceland's clearest opening came five minutes from the break. Prandarson did well to beat Fulton wide on the right before feeding the impressive Elias Mar Omarsson.

His touch took him into the box but Hearts 'keeper Jack Hamilton was off his line quickly to make a great save.

Scotland were perhaps marginally the better side after half time but couldn't find a way past the Icelandic defence.

Just minutes after the restart came the home side's best opportunity. A Sam Nicholson corner eventually fell to Christie just a couple of yards out, but his acrobatic effort was excellently blocked by Schram from point blank range.

The Icelandic goalkeeper was called upon again less than ten minutes later. Left back Stephen Kingsley dug out a cross for Cummings, but his volley from eight yards was straight at Schram, who partied it away.

Lawrence Shankland and Declan McManus were thrown on for Scotland late in the game but weren't able to get the all important breakthrough.

With France and Macedonia both winning in the group, Tuesday's draw leaves Scotland in fourth place after three games.

Iceland are unbeaten so far and top the group with 11 points from their five matches played.

And despite already trailing the leaders by seven points, head coach Ricky Sbragia didn't feel they had to win the game.

He said: "I just think it was important that we didn't lose. We got a performance after a really hard game on Saturday. We always felt the longer the game went on we would punish them but unfortunately their keeper made two exceptional saves.

The former Sunderland manager continued: "Both teams were very committed, and there was some good play. We were up against a really good team in Iceland and I think we maybe just edged it in the second half. Unfortunately we didn't get the goal.

Just a few days after his team's Euro qualifying campaign came to a disappointing end, Gordon Strachan was in the stands watching the next generation of Scottish talent.

Asked whether that was an indication of if he had decided to stay on in his role, Sbragia said: "I don't know, you'll have to ask Gordon that!"

He continued: "It's great to see him here. We really loved him coming in the dressing room and having a chat with us all."

"He wished the players all the best and I think they get a little buzz out of it as well. For an international manager to come to an under 21s game is absolutely fantastic.

Scotland's next under 21 European Championship qualifier is against Ukraine on the 13th of November at St Mirren Park.