October 9 2016

James McArthur

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur scored a dramatic late equaliser in Scotland's World Cup qualifier.

The Scots were heading for a loss against Lithuania at Hampden Park after going a goal down on the hour mark and with just seconds left to play.

But McArthur, who came on at the break for the injured Darren Fletcher, scored with an important header in the 89th minute to level the scores.

The Scots will hope for an improved performance when they face Slovakia on Tuesday.

McArthur, 29, said: "I would rather not have scored and we won the game to be honest. We had a couple of opportunities after we scored, I thought we were going to nick it but it wasn't to be, it was that kind of night.

"But it gives you more of a lift than conceding in the last minute when you are winning or losing the game

"We are disappointed but it is not doom and gloom and the good thing is we have a chance to make it right on Tuesday. But it was frustrating. It wasn't a performance we were happy with.

"With 10 minutes from the end you would have taken a point. So we can go to Slovakia and hopefully get the three points."

McArthur has already matched his Palace goal tally from last season with two goals from six outings this term.