A new era for the Scotland Under-21s got off to a strong start as Tony Docherty's first game in charge ended in a comfortable victory over Azerbaijan in European Championship qualifying.

Under new management for the first time in a decade after the departure of Scot Gemmill, a Scotland side containing Rangers winger Findlay Curtis, Heart of Midlothian striker James Wilson and Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher, all of whom have earned senior caps, largely dominated their opponents.

Curtis produced three assists, while Fletcher and Wilson both scored on a pleasing night for Docherty and assistant Steven Naismith.

It was confirmed before kick-off in Kilmarnock that Scotland will not play at the finals next summer after the Czech Republic defeated Bulgaria to seal second spot in Group B, but it did not deter the young Scots at Rugby Park.

Despite a strong start, though, it was Azerbaijan who took the lead with their first shot.

St Mirren's Ryan Carr lost the ball and Columbus Crew winger Nariman Akhundzade drove into the box and cut a low finish back across goalkeeper Liam McFarlane.

Scotland's response was lethal, though, as the home side rattled in three goals in five minutes to knock the stuffing from Azerbaijan before the half-hour mark.

First, Barney Stewart headed into the bottom corner after a great delivery by Curtis before grabbing his second from close range when Taylor Steven knocked Dylan Lobban's delivery into his path.

Curtis turned provider again for Scotland's third when the winger picked out an unmarked Wilson to nod into the net.

Fletcher, watched by his father, Darren, from the stands then squeezed in Scotland's fourth goal to cap a fine individual performance after the break.

Azerbaijan, who drew 3-3 with Scotland away from home a year ago, did improve as the second half wore on and Raul Mammadov narrowed the deficit by tapping home from a free-kick.

However, another run and deft pass from Curtis eased Scotland's concerns as he teed up substitute Bobby Wales to lash in Scotland's fifth goal and seal the perfect start for the new management team.