Scotland got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start with a 5-1 victory in Malta – and a hat-trick from Robert Snodgrass.
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At the start of the second-half Scotland suffered a few scares but on 53 minutes the travelling fans were euphoric once more when Ritchie swung in a unsafe ball and Martin slotted home from eight yards out.
Scotland’s night was far from straightforward despite the scoreline.
Steven Fletcher headed home after replacing Martin and Strachan has Leigh Griffiths to come back from injury for the double header against Lithuania and Slovakia next month. I found out in the morning.
“It’s a great feeling on a personal level but from a team point of view it’s magnificent because it sets us up for the rest of the campaign”.
Snodgrass’ opener, when an attempted cross landed in the net, was rather fortuitous but it got Gordon Strachan’s side off to an encouraging start in their Group F opener.
In the second period, Martin put Scotland in front before the referee awarded a penalty and reduced Malta to 10 men allowing Snodgrass to grab a brace.
“I was there the day he got injured at Queens Park Rangers, I saw it, I was at the game and what a loss to them he was and I think they ended up getting relegated”.
Russell Martin believes Scotland could benefit from what he believes to be a cut-throat 2018 World Cup qualifying group.
Martin’s goal eased Scotland’s nerves against minnows who last won an worldwide match over three years ago.
“For this kind of match you need to be at 100%”. I’m not sure if the ref felt I was perhaps tripped from behind but I was just trying to stretch to get the ball.
Striker Chris Martin admits that he was “surprised” to be given a starting role with Scotland after a slow start to the season in the Championship.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Strachan stated that Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan were both “excellent” against Malta, whilst also praising Snodgrass and Darren Fletcher.
As the only home nation to miss out on a place at Euro 2016 Scotland will seek to overcome two decades of hurt by sending the Tartan Army on the way to Russian Federation.
“He scored a goal and could have had another couple”, Strachan said of Martin.
“I love watching good players, good professionals, good lads”.
Ritchie insists desire was not an issue in the last campaign and nor will complacency be in Malta where three points are expected.
Maybe our style of play should suit the best players at our disposal – what other nation fails to select some of their top players?
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The 27-year-old told Scotland’s Youtube channel: “I was surprised”. Last time it was Germany, and we are looking to improve on those performances against them. “We did that and added a few goals to it which, all in all, was the flawless night for us”.
