Scotland too strong for Montenegro

Dundee United FC's Stuart Armstrong came off the bench to score twice as Scotland enjoyed a fine start to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite round, beating Montenegro 4-0.

After a tentative start Billy Stark's side took a firm grip on their Group 1 opener on 13 minutes when the pacy Liam Palmer split the defence and Robert McHugh slotted in. Scott Robinson doubled the lead just before the half-hour but, with Montenegro rallying at the start of the second period, the game hung in the balance until Armstrong's introduction 18 minutes from time. He needed just two minutes to get on the scoresheet, adding a second late on.

"I'm delighted with the result," said Stark. "The matches against Croatia and Belgium will be really tough but this victory give us optimism. We could have scored more in the first half, but their goalkeeper made some excellent saves." Counterpart Aleksandar Miljenović was also left to rue missed chances, most notably Stefan Denković and Stefan Mugoša both failing to find the target inside the opening 11 minutes – McHugh swiftly punished them.

The writing was on the wall when Robinson made it 2-0 after an impressive solo run and McHugh should really have extended the advantage, first hitting the post and then, midway through the second half, coming second best in a one-on-one with Jasmin Agović. Armstrong was less profligate, converting crosses from James Forrest and Dale Hilson as Scotland won in style. "The better team won," conceded Miljenović. "I hope we can achieve at least a better score in our next match." They face Group 1 hosts Croatia – victors today against Belgium – on Friday.