THE holidays beckon before Dublin and a qualifier in June but the shifting sands of international football have already moved under the feet of several members of Gordon Strachan's squad.

Two of the more affected by the tide of change have been Barry Bannan, once central to Strachan's strategy but now on the periphery, and Russell Martin, who was asked to perform an unusual role as basically the only defender in the match against Gibraltar.

Bannan, of course, has more cause to be aggrieved, with his omission from the first team coinciding with the dramatic introduction of Matt Ritchie, the Bournemouth wide man, who won two caps in a week, being tested against Northern Ireland before making his competitive debut against Gibraltar.

Bannan, on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Crystal Palace, has watched his fortunes wane recently but the 25-year-old from Airdrie has retained much of his native toughness in dealing with adversity.

He would not voice any disappointment over being replaced by Ritchie.

"It's football - you have to look at others and he has been doing well at Bournemouth and came in and did well in both games," he said.

"I've just got to keep going. I've had it now for a few years. I hope that I can impress the manager and force my way in."

Bannan has played for Aston Villa, Derby County, Blackpool, Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Bolton since 2008 since 2009. Villa and Palace have been his full-time employers with the other clubs taking the midfielder on loan. He has had sunny spells at all clubs but one suspects there have been dark days, too.

He meets the adversity of dropping out a Scotland starting XI with an unmistakeable defiance. He last began a match in the friendly victory against Poland a year ago but is committed to forcing his way back into Strachan's plans.

"People are fighting for their places. There are 28, 29, 30 players who all have a good case to be in the squad," he admitted. "Training is competitive. I just think that in training and in games I have to give my all and hope that it's good enough."

He will not stint in his efforts, pointing out that any break before the match in Dublin in June will be short and that the period between the end of the domestic season and a crucial match in Group D can be negotiated safely.

"A few years ago we had three weeks off before we faced Croatia in June and we managed to pull off a win in that game," said Bannan.

"The boys are professional enough now and know what to do whether it is work in the gym or working with the fitness trainers."

Bannan came on against Gibraltar after 74 minutes and set up the goal that completed a hat trick by Steven Fletcher. "He took that goal really well," said Bannan. He said his team mate had refused to snatch at the chance, instead placing it in the corner of the net.

"He's been brilliant since he came back," said Bannan of the Sunderland striker who had an international exile under the tenure of Craig Levein.

"Steven's link-up has been terrific and it's only been the goals which haven't come. But a hat-trick here has pleased all the lads."

Ritchie, who played in a role that has been taken by Bannan in past games, was replaced at half-time to allow Gordon Greer to form a defensive partnership with Martin, who had been the only designated defender for the first half with Andrew Robertson and Alan Hutton advancing up the flanks.

"I was fine playing as the lone centre-half. I've done it before for Norwich under Paul Lambert," said Martin.

"I was comfortable but I think they surprised us with the way they set up at the start. They played three high up the pitch and I don't think we dealt with that as well as we should have."

The Gibraltar game can now be consigned to the past and Martin, one of Strachan's certain starters, can focus on the match against Ireland.

"We have got a bit of momentum going into that," said Martin. "Now we are looking forward to that match as it's big chance for us."

He was unsure of the precise significance of the game in the Aviva Stadium.

"I'm not sure if Dublin will be the defining game of the campaign. A lot of people said that about the home match but Ireland are still in the group," he said, referring to Scotland's 1-0 win at Celtic Park.

"I don't know if it will be pivotal. It will be big, they all are in this group, and we will go there and be positive like we always are under the manager."

Martin will have expectations of a start in the match. Bannan may be condemned to travel in hope