The Kilmarnock forward struck a superb 25-yard drive into the bottom corner in the fourth minute - and Scotland held on against strong opponents in the friendly at Falkirk.

Naismith was the only full international in a new-look Scotland side - which saw five players in the starting line-up making their debuts - and Knox agreed his captain had led by example.

"He didn't half -getting the goal to start with gives everybody a lift," he said.

"It allows you to settle in to a way of playing, and they have got to come at you - although that would have been the case anyway.

"He has been the most experienced under-21s player, so it was right he should get that honour [captaincy] - and it was a terrific goal."

Knox was delighted with the way his inexperienced side competed against a team including members of the losing finalists of the FIFA Under-20s World Cup, as well as members of the squad that competed in the UEFA Under-21s Championship finals this summer.

The Czechs dominated the opening period, but Scotland withstood the pressure and could have added to their lead after the interval.

Knox was encouraged by the performance, with the qualifying campaign for the UEFA Under-21s Championship due to start for Scotland next month when they travel to Finland.

"You could see the quality of their team, so our lads battled away well," he said.

"Overall, we can be pleased with a lot of aspects of the play

"There are obviously a lot of things we would need to improve on if we are going into competitions - their retention of the ball and our opportunities."