Scotland went to Germany on the back of a grim run of form, though, and further disappointment came their way in the summer, as did a barrage of criticism for the head coach for a pedestrian style of play.
A change of approach was demanded and it has come in the form of a switch to a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Doak adding much-needed pace and drive out wide.
Late concessions at home against Poland and in Portugal, plus a narrow defeat in Croatia, denied the Scots points in their opening three Nations League games.
But seven points from their final matches against the same opposition ended the campaign on a high and avoided automatic relegation.
“Clarke’s change of system has brought more freedom,” former Scotland midfielder John Collins said on BBC Sportsound.
“The players look more comfortable in possession and they have more options in front of them. John Souttar looks like an international centre-back now and Doak has given us pace, power and penetration.”
Meanwhile, ex-Scotland forward James McFadden added: “We don’t have strikers who will score every game, but we have a manager who will find a way to get the best out of players.
“He’s built a really strong squad and we can look forward to World Cup qualifying now regardless of our group.”
