Gauld & Souttar - childhood friends reunited in dark blue

Scotland defender John Souttar says playing for the national team with his childhood friend Ryan Gauld has been "amazing".

The 28-year-olds played football together as children in Aberdeenshire before they progressed through Brechin City's youth team.

They then both moved to Dundee United - where they shared accommodation with Scotland captain Andrew Robertson - and became first-team regulars at Tannadice before their careers took different paths.

Souttar moved to Heart of Midlothian in 2016 then Rangers in 2022 while Gauld is at Canadian club Vancouver Whitecaps via spells in Portugal with Sporting, Vitoria de Setubal, Aves and Farense - as well as loan move to Hibernian.

The pair played frequently together in Scotland youth sides and were reunited in dark blue when Gauld came off the bench to join Souttar in Saturday's 2-1 Nations League defeat against Croatia in Zagreb.

The playmaker, once regarded as one of the most talented young players in Europe, did likewise against Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday.

"It's amazing," said Souttar after the 0-0 draw that ended Scotland's run of four consecutive defeats.

"Obviously, we grew up together. Our parents are friends, and we played since we were tiny, at a boys club, at school - we went to school together.

"We have been through everything and now we are together in the national team. So, yeah, it's amazing."

It was Scotland's first point of the campaign in League A Group 1 after three consecutive defeats followed the Euro 2024 loss against Hungary.

Star-studded Portugal had the bulk of the possession and chances at Hampden but could not break down a solid rearguard in which Souttar was excellent.

The result does however mean Steve Clarke's side have won only one of their last 16 games - a friendly victory against Gibraltar.

Portugal remain top of the group on 10 points with Croatia on seven, Poland on four and Scotland in the relegation spot on one.

"It's the first point in the campaign and I think we deserved it," said Souttar, who was left out of the Euro 2024 squad by Clarke.

"Over the course of the campaign we have been pretty unlucky not to pick up a point at least. So it's pleasing. I think all the boys gave everything."