Matt Phillips says Scotland must put their 5-1 defeat to the USA behind them and focus on improving ahead of next season’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Blackpool winger made his debut for the national team in Jacksonville but it was a day to forget as Landon Donovan’s hat-trick inflicted the heaviest defeat of the Craig Levein era.

However Phillips says the whole squad must try to learn from the experience and come back stronger.

He told Press Association Sport: "I'm delighted to have made my debut. It was a tough game but there is more to come."

The 21-year-old admitted the players had let the travelling support down but says they will aim to make amends against Australia in August before the campaign to reach Brazil 2014 starts in September.

He added: "It was a disappointing night for us.

"They are a very good side but maybe we just didn't give a good account of ourselves so we are disappointed.

"It was very hot and humid. We have been out here for seven days and it was tough.

"But we just have to look forward to the next game now.

"The guys were all very disappointed in the dressing room but it's done now.

"We have got to look forward to the next game. When you lose 5-1, you are never going to be happy.

"But whatever positives there were, we will take them out of the game and move on."

Related articles

• Craig Levein bemoans lack of focus after heaviest defeat as Scotland boss
• Hat-trick from Landon Donovan condemns Scotland to heavy defeat in Florida

People who read this story also read

• Craig Levein bemoans lack of focus after heaviest defeat as Scotland boss
• Hat-trick from Landon Donovan condemns Scotland to heavy defeat in Florida
• Charlie Mulgrew considering international switch
• St Johnstone start summer rebuild by completing deals for two defenders
• Scotland manager names his starting line-up to face the USA in Florida