Scotland 2-1 Republic of Ireland: Christie inspires comeback win

Scotland moved back to the top of their Nations League group after a Ryan Christie-inspired 2-1 comeback over the Republic of Ireland. 

Ireland took the lead against the run of play after 18 minutes as the Tartan Army failed to clear a corner and John Egan pounced to divert the ball in from close range. 

Scotland levelled the scores early in the second half, though, heading in unmarked from Christie's cross into the six-yard box. 

Christie then scored the winner with just eight minutes remaining as he converted a spot-kick after Alan Browne was penalised for handball in the area.

Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby expressed his disappointment at allowing the lead to slip.

He said: "It's very disappointing. We were 1-0 up at half-time and I thought we were very comfortable at that stage. 

"We just didn't start quickly enough in the second half and it's ended up costing us. We shouldn't have conceded the first goal so quickly in the second half and we had a couple of chances as well to finish the game off which we'll be disappointed about. 

"In the first half, we were excellent. Well-organised and we matched them in every battle and won every second ball. It's just disappointing that we seemed to fade in the second half."

Match-winner Christie, meanwhile, talked up the character on display as Scotland came from behind to win.

He said: "It's a big win. We came into the game desperate to win — we wanted to come away from this camp with three wins. 

"We wanted to put the result in Dublin right, because we felt we let the fans down over there and thankfully we did. 

"Obviously, first half we found it tough to control the game. We showed a right bit of character second half to get back in the game. Lots of confidence to take from this, and we go again on Tuesday. 

"The gaffer has kept me on penalties the last few games — I fancy myself, and I was waiting for the keeper to dive out of the way almost and thankfully it goes in."