CHRIS Martin has backed Leigh Griffiths to fire Scotland to the World Cup in Russia next summer - even if it means keeping him out of the starting eleven. Three months after he was booed onto the fray against Slovenia only to score the last gasp winner which kept our hopes of Russia alive, Martin had a lower key, yet not inconsiderable role as a nuisance factor as Griffiths’ twin free-kicks almost brought the Hampden house down on Saturday, prior to Harry Kane’s late sickener.
While the 28-year-old, who will return to Derby County after a loan spell at Fulham this summer, is well aware England’s late equaliser was avoidable and fears that that the dropped points “might end up costing us” he also feels that Scotland are capable of the four wins which could yet be enough for a play-off place and Griffiths can build on his first two goals for his country and hugely accomplished display against England besides.
“I’ve not seen him in as many games as you guys have but we know the quality he [Griffiths] possesses, especially with his finishing and his free kicks,” Martin added. “He’s got a helluva left foot on him. But I think his all-round contribution was very good. It’s not just the goals but the way he was putting himself about, holding the ball up, bringing people into play, the runs he was making in behind. I thought a few people had good games but for Griff it’s something he can build on now. He’s scored his first goals for Scotland and hopefully he can continue to score goals and fire us hopefully to qualification.”
Considering his previous relationship with the Tartan Army, things had come full circle to an extent when Martin left Hampden Park on Saturday night eulogising them for creating “one of the best atmospheres he had ever played in”.
“In the context of the group, it might end up costing us,” said the 28-year-old, whose father Gerry hails from Easterhouse. “But we have got four games now and they are all winnable so we need to go into them with the mentality that we can win them all and see where we go.
“The crowd were tremendous - they really spurred us on,” Martin added. “I think that’s one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in front of. For sure, you want to be the man that the crowd are shouting for and singing your name. It spurs you on. The lads got encouragement from it, especially in the second half. We grew in belief as the game wore on. We’re just bitterly disappointed we weren’t able to win the game and send them home happy.”
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