Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterScotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak was heaped with praise for his influential showing in the right wing against Haiti.The former Celtic and Liverpool winger made his name as the youngest Scot ever to appear in the English Premier League, and has been an increasingly important player for Steve Clarke's Scotland since making his senior international debut in 2024.Gannon-Doak, now of Bournemouth, was selected on the right of the Scotland midfield for their opening game of the World Cup as they faced Haiti in Group C.Ben Gannon-Doak earns Scotland plaudits for wing showingScotland started brightly in their first men's World Cup game since 1998, but were unable to make the most of it as Lawrence Shankland saw a shot blocked and Scott McTominay hit the post.Haiti began to offer some threat as they exploited some sloppy play from the Scots, but couldn't find the moment of quality they needed to make it count. You may like Scotland squad World Cup 2026: Steve Clarke's team for opening game against Haiti 'I was there in 1982 against that unbelievable Brazil side. I was on the pitch and saw them up close - but I dont think I played!' Gordon Strachan recalls Scotland World Cup memories and reveals his striker solution Exclusive: Andy Robertson discusses Scotland's World Cup ambitions Scotland finally punished that on 29 minutes, with John McGinn's heavily-deflected effort finding the net after some brilliant work by Che Adams in the build-up ended with the Southampton man seeing a close-range effort saved.Haiti had the better of the rest of the first half action as Scotland remained wasteful with the ball in a stop-start encounter not helped by some rather fussy officiating - but again fell short of offering a significant threat on Angus Gunn's goal.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.But it was Gannon-Doak who really caught the eye of the BBC pundits after running the show from the right wing.Former teammate Joe Hart said: "He's been a real threat, and when he's been able to stand up the Haiti left back, he's looked really threatening."They've not been quite able to get the timing every time, but his touch is excellent, and I think that'll be consistent throughout the game, and he's grown into it. What to read next Welcome to New Scotland, a party 28 years in the making Steve Clarke reveals just how fit 'perfect' Scott McTominay is for Scotland Scotland's World Cup 2026 fixtures: Dates, kick-off times and group stage schedule "You got to remember, he's a young man, new in his Scotland career, but he's got so much confidence."I actually crossed over slightly with him when he was 15-16 at Celtic, and he's just got that kind of confidence. He doesn't care what the level is, he didn't care when he came and trained with us. He has so much belief and wants to express himself."Scott Brown added: "He's good enough with the ball at his feet. He's composed, and as Joe says, look, he's confident."That's what you want a Scotland player to be. You want him to be direct, put the balls in the box, and [he's created a] chance for Shankland as well. Good ball, good delivery."TOPICSHaitiScotlandWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
