Jamie Murphy struck twice as Scotland Under-21s moved top of their UEFA Championship qualifying group with an impressive 4-0 win in Azerbaijan. The Motherwell striker, who netted a late winner against Belarus last month, struck in each half in Baku to put the Scots two points clear of Austria in Group 10.
Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield and substitute Rory Loy were also on target as Scotland made it 12 points from five games.
Scotland knew before the game they would go top with a victory, following Austria's 2-2 draw with Albania on Friday, and they produced a superb display.
The visitors took control from the start with Chris Maguire and Murphy causing problems up front.
Murphy grabbed the opener in the 26th minute when he converted a through ball from Maguire.
Arfield netted in the 36th minute following a cross from Barry Bannan, although Maguire later claimed he had got the final touch.
Murphy, recalled to the starting line-up following his winner off the bench at St Mirren Park, put the game beyond the home side in the 54th minute.
The Fir Park striker collected the ball inside his own half and sprinted clear of the Azerbaijan defence before slotting home.
Murphy could have completed a hat-trick and substitute David Wotherspoon twice came close as Scotland treated about 200 expatriate fans to a convincing display.
The home side were restricted to long-range attempts and Scotland sealed the victory in the 83rd minute when substitutes Leigh Griffiths and Loy combined for the Rangers forward to net.
Scotland next face Azerbaijan at home in March before concluding their campaign against qualification rivals Belarus and Austria in September next year.
