Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty miss sends Scotland through to Euro 2020

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s penalty miss sent Scotland to Euro 2020 after a night of high drama in Belgrade.

The former Newcastle United man saw his spot-kick saved by David Marshall as Scotland triumphed 5-4 in the play-off final.

Led by former Toon coach Steve Clarke and assistant John Carver, the Scots will now face England at Wembley, the Czech Republic and Croatia in next summer’s delayed finals.

Scotland had been ahead through Ryan Christie before Luka Jovic’s last gasp equaliser to force extra time.

But Scotland converted all of their penalties before Mitrovic’s kick was saved.

An inconsolable Mitrovic starred at the floor after taking on the responsibility to keep his team in it before Marshall’s heroics.

Scotland’s David Marshall saves from Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic (Image: PA)

Marshall told Sky Sports: “It was never going to be easy. The first hour of the game we were completely dominant but the second goal just wasn’t coming.

“I’m lost for words about how well the lads did to cope with that pressure when they got the equaliser.

“The manager, the players, Robbo all speaking (before the shootout) just changed the mentality. The last three or four games have given us that winning belief.

“I don’t know how we did it. We deserved it after the first half especially. I’m just so happy.”

A tearful Ryan Christie added: “It’s an amazing night. From the start we believed. Obviously from the last couple of camps we’ve picked up so much belief in each other.

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“The way we conceded that late equaliser but still managed to dig in and get through on penalties away from home with big Marsh making the save again is amazing, unbelievable.

“(Watching the penalties) is not nice. When you’re on the pitch you feel you can impact it but the moment you’re off you can’t watch it. It’s horrible. Those penalties are probably the worst thing I’ve ever been through.

Scotland’s David Marshall celebrates saving from Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic (Image: PA)

“That’s for all the nation. It’s been a horrible year for everyone. I hope everyone back home is having a party tonight. That’s the monkey off the back tonight.”

In Northern Ireland’s play-off Newcastle’s Jamal Lewis was part of a side beaten by Slovakia 2-1 after extra time.