Scottish media’s Ben Doak verdict after Liverpool loanee helps Scotland draw against Portugal

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Liverpool academy graduate Ben Doak has enjoyed a superb start to his career, with Reds coaches and fans keenly monitoring his progress.

The Liverpool forward is currently out on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he’s getting a decent amount of game time.

Doak, who has already made 10 competitive appearances for Liverpool, has also made his breakthrough for Scotland this season.

The 18-year-old has won four caps for his nation, coming on against Poland and Portugal in September before starting against Croatia and Portugal this month.

Doak was handed his second consecutive start for Scotland as they sought to bounce back from a three-game losing run in the Nations League.

The Liverpool gem played 67 minutes for Scotland before making way for New York Red Bulls winger Lewis Morgan.

Here’s what the Scottish media said about Doak’s display in the 0-0 draw against Roberto Martinez’s side.

Liverpool gem Ben Doak ‘showed no shortage of confidence’

The National gave Doak a 7 out of 10 for his efforts at Hampden Park.

They wrote: ‘The teenage protege showed no shortage of confidence by running at Antonio Silva and Joao Cancelo regularly when given the opportunity to get on the ball.

‘The winger played his defence into trouble with a tippy-tappy pass inside, but the Portuguese couldn’t capitalise on the situation right after half-time.

‘Probably came inside too often rather than looking to go round the outside to the by-line, but another positive showing from the young man.’

Meanwhile, The Scotsman gave the Liverpool man a 5 out of 10 for his performance against Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

‘Had two neat dribble early on in both halves, but was largely quiet and unable to showcase his unique talents as Portugal dominated the bulk of possession,’ they wrote.

‘Only touched the ball nine times in the first-half and his poor ball to Bruno Fernandes almost cost Scotland dear. Replacing by Lewis Morgan with just over 20 minutes to go.’

Likewise, GiveMeSport went with a 5 out of 10 for the Liverpool academy graduate.

They said: ‘The prodigy became the youngest Scotland player to start consecutive games for the national team, and he did well enough at times against one of the world’s best fullbacks in Joao Cancelo.

‘His time will come with more experience, but it is nights like this when he will learn what it is like to play top opposition.’

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How has Doak been faring on loan?

Doak has made five appearances for Boro, all in the Championship, and has scored one goal, in September’s 2-0 win over Stoke City.

The Liverpool loanee has started three games and come on in two games, for a total of 268 minutes of game time on Teesside.