Gordon Strachan pleased with Scotland performance despite being held by Lithuania in World Cup qualifier - The Mirror

The Scotland manager lamented the visitors' approach and praised his side's effort to come back after Fiodor Cernych's opener to equalise through James McArthur

Gordon Strachan praised his Scotland side despite being held by Lithuania at home in what could prove to be a crucial blow in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.

James McArthur snatched a point late on in the 1-1 draw at Hampen Park after Fiodor Cernych had smashed past David Marshall at his near post on the hour mark.

Despite boos ringing out clear at the full-time whistle, Strachan praised his side's effort to stage a comeback in the second half and felt they should have won.

"It's hard to play football against teams like that," admitted Strachan. "In the second half, we got in some great positions, made some great chances, great effort and on the ball.

"We've done really well to get back in the game and we should win the game. So well done to the lads for that.

"A wee bit of bad luck though, but going a goal behind, it's not easy."

The result could prove costly as Scotland already find themselves two points behind England from two games with the two games against the Three Lions still to come.

Strachan's side find themselves level on four points with Slovenia in second and just two behind Lithuania with all three sides and Slovakia - who remain pointless - likely to be chasing a play-off berth.

A tricky match in Slovakia now awaits with Jan Kozak's side desperate to pick up a win to reignite their qualification campaign and scupper Scotland's.