A Fraser Hornby hat-trick handed Scotland victory for the first time in four Euro 2019 qualifying matches as the hosts outclassed Andorra at Tynecastle last night.

With Scotland senior manager Alex McLeish watching on, the Everton youngster opened his account with a timely penalty just seconds before the break and got his hands on the match ball with two poacher’s efforts following the interval.

Victory breathed fresh life into the country’s hopes of reaching next year’s finals in Italy and San Marino ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash against the Netherlands.

“I’m delighted for Fraser,” said manager Scot Gemmill. “I think you can see a young player starting to emerge and develop all the time.

“He had a good tournament in Toulon and he's really benefited from going there and playing against those sort of teams.

“I'm sure clubs are queuing up to take him on loan. We all saw that he had an impact in Toulon and he's now gone back to his club – but it's a club where it is very difficult to get into the team.”

The trip to Arnhem to face the Dutch – they trail by a point in Group 4 – will now effectively determine whether third-place Scotland will have a chance of claiming a play-off berth.

Gemmill added: “Now attention moves to the Netherlands game. We had a really strong performance last September.

“The team is changing all the time and it’s a great chance for new players to experience playing against top opposition.”

The home team had been pre-warned that the complacency that was prevalent during March’s 1-1 draw against last night’s opponents would not be tolerated.

It was, however, a night to be patient. Andorra set their stall out to frustrate Gemmill’s side, something they managed for over 44 minutes.

Prior to that, Scotland dominated possession but struggled to fashion any meaningful openings.

Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour and Celtic starlet Michael Johnston started following their eye-catching performances during the summer’s Toulon Tournament, and it was the former whose marauding runs on the left flank proved the source of Andorra’s main concern.

On 23 minutes, a deft Johnston flick was helped on its way by Stevie Mallan, but Hornby’s low effort from a tight angle was forced past the post by the feet of goalkeeper Iker.

Space was at the premium in a congested Andorran half of the pitch, although another chance presented itself four minutes later when Mallan was fouled outside the area.

The Hibs playmaker took the free kick himself but Iker was well positioned to push the shot behind for a corner.

As Scotland’s frustrations grew, the hosts finally broke their visitors' stubborn resistance seconds before the break.

Macedonian referee Dejan Jakimovski blew for a penalty after Hibs defender Ryan Porteous was hauled down by Alex Martinez as he attempted to get on the end of Gilmour’s corner.

Toffees trainee Hornby stepped up and cooly sent Iker the wrong way from 12 yards.

Despite needing to score, Andorra remained content to sit deep at the start of the second half.

However, after going close moments earlier, Hornby added his second in the 69th minute.

The 18-year-old was involved in the build-up too, finding Mallan, who then fed Gilmour to his right.

The Chelsea teenager cut back inside on his left and his menacing delivery to the front post was headed in by the towering striker.

Hornby got his hat-trick seven minutes from time. Chris Cadden charged down the right before swinging in a low delivery and the forward slid in to divert the ball past the goalkeeper.

Scotland: Fulton, Williamson, Bates, Porteous, Smith, Cadden, Gilmour (Ferguson 78), Rs McCorie, Mallan (Campbell 72), Johnston, Hornby (Shaw 84)

Substitutes not used: Rb McCrorie, McIntyre, Ross, Magennis,

Andorra: Iker, De Pablos, Bove (Pijuan 73), Garcia, Martinez (Vales 87), Reyes (De Castillo 81), Fernandez, Nazzaro, Grau Samper, Viladot, Pomares

Substitutes not used: Pire, Maria Cabanes, Sanchez, Guillen

Referee: Dejan Jakimovski (MKD)

Attendance: 2,125