SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke has warned against putting too much pressure on the shoulders of Middlesbrough youngster Ben Doak.

Doak, who joined Boro on a season-long loan from Liverpool at the end of August, made his first senior international start as Scotland suffered a 2-1 Nations League defeat in Croatia last night.

The 18-year-old was one of the few bright spots in Zagreb as the Scots slipped to a disappointing loss that means they have now won just one of their last 15 matches. Things do not get much easier next week, with an in-form Portugal visiting Hampden Park.

Doak offered energy and creativity down the right-hand side against Croatia, and helped set up Scotland’s goal as he delivered the low cross that Luka Susic failed to clear, enabling Ryan Christie to drill home a low finish.

The teenager has been fast-tracked into the senior Scotland set-up in the last 12 months, and might well have made it into Clarke’s squad for this summer’s Euros had he not suffered an injury with Liverpool at the end of last season.

Clarke is a huge fan of the winger, regarding him as a key part of Scotland’s future, but with the Scottish fans desperately clinging on to any signs of positivity, the former Newcastle United assistant has counselled against asking too much of Doak, who will turn 19 in the middle of next month.

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“I’m really pleased for Ben, and as a coach I’m pleased with Ben,” said Clarke. “That’s his first start, I’m sure it won’t be his last. He’s got attributes and qualities. That’s why he’s in the squad.

“That’s why I tried to put him in the squad in the summer before his injury showed up. We see what Ben’s got for us. But we’re also careful. You have to be careful with young players. You have to bring them through at the right time.

“Obviously, injury-wise, it’s probably accelerated his debut. And his debut was good, or his first start was good.”

It remains to be seen whether Doak remains in the starting line-up to face Portugal this week, with Clarke keen not to ask too much of the youngster, who will be assessed by Scotland’s coaching staff in the next couple of days.

Michael Carrick will be delighted to see the teenager gaining valuable experience on the international stage, but will be hoping he is not over-exerted, with Middlesbrough due to return to Championship action on Saturday when they host Bristol City.

“We can build on that,” added Clarke. “Whether he’s got the legs and the energy to go on Tuesday night after such a big shift (in Croatia), we can assess over the next couple of days. Let’s enjoy Ben, but let’s not put too much pressure on him.

“He’s got a great attitude. Very open. Determined to improve and stuff like that. He knows that he’s got parts he’s given, and he has to improve. He’s not a shy boy. He’s a good character.”