Derby County’s Chris Martin felt that Scotland got what they deserved as they recorded a dramatic 1-0 win over Slovakia at Hampden Park on Thursday night.
A late own goal by Martin Skrtel kept the Tartan Army’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes alive in their penultimate qualifier.
Gordon Strachan’s men had been denied by a combination of the woodwork, with Martin hitting the bar with a fine long-range effort soon after coming on as a substitute on the hour mark, and fine defending.
The visitors had Robert Mak sent off for two bookings in the first half and the home side finally struck with a minute of normal time left to play.
Martin and fellow Ram Ikechi Anya both came off the bench to combine for the only goal of the game, with Anya’s cross towards Martin turned into his own net by Skrtel.
Scotland now sit second in Group F ahead of their final qualifier away to Slovenia on Sunday and know a victory will secure a play-off place.
Speaking to the media after the game, Martin said: “It’s the way you want to win a game really!
“I know it was a little bit nervy for the people watching but I thought we stayed composed throughout the game.
“I think we got what we deserved in the end.”
Reflecting on the only goal of the game, Martin praised the part played by fellow Derby team-mate Anya.
The wideman picked out Martin’s run towards the near post, which forced Skrtel into forcing the ball into his own goal.
He said: “I hope they’ve given it to me – I wasn’t sure so that’s why I didn’t run off too crazy because I knew Martin Skrtel did get a touch.
“I will have to watch it back because I wasn’t too sure what happened.
“I just had to get myself in the area. I saw Ikechi going away down the right-hand side and I was hoping he played it across the box like he did.
“It was great to see it creep into the net like it did.”