ANDY ROBERTSON netted a last-gasp winner to send Scotland into a Nations League play-off — and stun gaffer Steve Clarke.
Captain Robbo celebrated his 80th cap with his first international goal in five years to nick a dramatic win in Warsaw.
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John McGinn’s 20th Scotland goal after just three minutes had given his side hope of finishing runners-up in their group.
Croatia wrecked that dream with a second- half equaliser against Portugal — but Robertson bagged the winner to seal third place and a March play-off.
Manager Clarke said: “You always believe. We always felt one more chance would come. But maybe not from the source it came from!
“It was a great header and a great way to finish the campaign.
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“I’m really pleased for everyone. It’s a good way to end this part of the Nations League campaign.
“We look forward to the games in March.”
A wonder strike by Poland’s Kamil Piatkowski cancelled out McGinn’s opener before Robertson had the final word.
Scotland will face one of four League B runners-up in two-legged play-offs as they bid to stay in League A — with the second leg at Hampden.
Greece and Austria are two possibilities, along with Wales or Iceland and one from Albania, Czechia, Georgia or Ukraine.
Clarke said: “The more you play at this level, the better you get.
“The players didn’t lose belief and I didn’t lose belief in the players.
“The depth of squad is good and we’re missing another three or four.
“Hopefully, going into next year, they are all fit and make my job more difficult.
“It’s the evolution of a team. We have been to two major tournaments and we want to reach another one.
“There have been a lot of good moments, milestones and improvements.
“This is a another step on the journey.
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“Poland make the game open. They’re so offensive. We knew we had to be at our best to get the result and we got a positive result in a really difficult environment.”
Clarke hailed winger Ben Doak, after hinting he may bench him.
He added: “Ben is a threat, he’s very direct and he gets at defenders.
“He makes it difficult for defenders and brings us something different.”
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Tomorrow’s final group fixtures will dictate which pot Scotland are in for next month’s World Cup qualifying draw, with pot three most likely.
Poland coach Michal Probierz said: “In general it was good game from us. We just needed one minute to hold on. Unfortunately, we did not.
“It is a very painful lesson both for the players and me.”
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