Steve Clarke in no mood to blame defeat to Republic on World Cup hangover

Scotland manager Steve Clarke was at a loss to explain his side’s poor performance in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Scotland boss Steve Clarke was in no mood to blame a World Cup hangover for a humbling Nations League defeat by the Republic of Ireland.

Three days after launching their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Armenia, the Scots succumbed tamely in Dublin as Stephen Kenny’s men belatedly opened their account with a 3-0 win.