Ryan Christie hailed inspirational Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgium midfielder dominated the 4-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Monday night.
The Red Devils captain set up first-half goals for Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld as the visitors ruthlessly punished errors by Steve Clarke's side in their 2020 European Championship qualifier.
The Manchester City attacker curled in a fourth with consummate ease in the 82nd minute to leave Scotland relying on March's Nations League play-offs for their chance to make the Euro finals next summer.
The former Inverness attacker said: "Going into it (the campaign) we had the play-offs as a fall-back, we didn't want to have to use it but it looks like we're going to have to if we're going to make it there.
"Obviously they were two very disappointing results but even after that, we still feel close as a group.
"We have taken more of the manager's ideas on board.
"I know it sounds daft getting beat 4-0 at home but I think there are a few positives we can take from that.
"It is the minor things that cost you at this level in football, especially against a team like Belgium.
"They scored in their first counter attack. It is so tough to nullify and the quality they have when they go forward is outstanding.
"That is the level we are trying to get to.
"We have four games left in the group to finish as high as we can and take that into the play-off."
