Wales v Scotland: Wales Players' Ratings (Starters)

1. Wayne Hennessey – Wayne was always there when Scotland managed to get a shot on target. One save in particular was outstanding. His goal kicks are not only very strong, they’re the loudest I’ve ever heard!

2. Samuel Ricketts – Sam might not even have played if Chris Gunter had been fit, now it looks like Chris has a rival for the position. Sam had a very strong game, racing up the right wing and playing his part in the attacks, combining well with Aaron Ramsey. Never mind Chris, Sam is twenty-seven, he could retire soon and then it’ll be all yours again... well, as long as Adam Matthews doesn’t live up to his significant potential…

3. Gareth Bale – Some prats have criticised Gareth’s defending but it looked great in this game. He made defensive tackles, clearances, headers, the lot – and even though he did play his part in many of the attacks, he managed to track back in time if Scotland got the ball. His free kick looked like it came close to scoring – he’ll get one in soon and once he gets one he’ll be banging them in again. He nearly scored from a corner too.

4. Ashley Williams – I made a bit of a fuss when I thought Ashley was going to be the captain. He has played very well for Wales lately but Joe Ledley has been the stand-in captain and he didn’t deserve to lose his position. But Ashley did a great job. The fact Wales were playing with such confidence must at least in part be down to him and many people believe it’s most helpful to have a captain playing in defence (although Ashley was actually somewhere between centre back and defensive midfield, where the original centre-halves played). Ashley also had a great game, fighting off Scotland’s attacks and allowing Aaron Ramsey to get forward. The Cardiff fans booed him though which was awful.

5. Craig Morgan – Craig played well but some of his tackles were slightly worrying. He got a yellow card for one of them and there were times after that when a second yellow could have followed – though it would have been harsh.

6. Lewin Nyatanga – Lewin looked very solid in this game, working well with Craig and Ashley. If Ashley continues in his defensive midfield position, Lewin might be able to fight his way into the side even if all the players are fully-fit. But he’s got competition.

7. David Edwards – Dave Edwards might not be the first name to come to mind when you’re asked to name Wales’ best players but I think he probably is one of them now. Maybe he isn’t the most skilful but he’s scored so many important goals – all goals are important but he is a player who often pops up when you feel you really ‘need’ a goal. (Stupid football clichés. Why do I keep using them?) Scotland were doing well before Dave scored, almost out of nowhere, and he played a big part in killing them off.

8. Ched Evans – Ched had trouble getting into the starting line-up at Manchester City (blame Craig Bellamy, who arrived in January!) so he found himself out of the Wales squad and back in the Under-21s. Then when he finally got back into the squad for the Liechtenstein game, he managed to injure himself. So I was really happy to see Ched not only back in the squad against Scotland but with a starting role. He didn’t score this time but he came close.

9. Simon Church – Simon scored the second goal in his match and the first goal for Wales. He’s missed a few chances lately but it can take time for a striker to adapt to a new side and he looks very well adapted now.

10. Aaron Ramsey – Aaron was rightly awarded Man of the Match for an outstanding performance. He actually only played 58 minutes but he made so many brilliant contributions to the match, it’s difficult to believe he didn’t stay on longer. His goal was amazing. He looked so confident, so sure. He also played a big part in the other two goals before being substituted to a standing ovation which somehow seemed less than he deserved – it’s a shame Wales supporters don’t fly. At the time I was disappointed he was taken off so soon but as he has had problems with his back this week it was only sensible.

11. Joe Ledley – If Joe was unhappy about not being the captain, he’s way too much of a professional to let it show and Joe is one of those players who shows his leadership qualities whether he’s the captain or not. Joe was active and involved and played some brilliant football.