Martin hopes for Hampden spark

change in management, but Martin refuses to countenance the consequences of defeat for Gordon Strachan. “I don’t think about that,” he said. “I think we are going to win and we move on from there. “Obviously, that’s a bridge we’ll have to cross if we don’t get the result we want. But the manager has been fantastic to me and a lot of the lads in the squad.

“Everyone enjoys working with him, everyone likes him, and we need to make sure we show that on Sunday and put in a performance to make sure there are no question marks over where we are heading in the campaign.”

Hampden Park is expected to be little over half full but Martin is confident the players will not let any subdued atmosphere affect them. He said: “Hopefully we put in a performance that makes sure next time we play it’s full up. There has been a lot of negativity around the last couple of results, which we understand. But we’ve got a big game, everyone needs to come together – fans, staff, players, media, everyone needs to be positive.”

After starting 16 of the previous 17 qualifiers, 31-year-old Martin was dropped for November’s 3-0 defeat by England. A space has opened up in defence after injury to Grant Hanley but Christophe Berra and Charlie Mulgrew started the 1-1 friendly draw with Canada on Wednesday.

Martin said: “To miss out on such a big one against England, I’d be lying if I said it was easy to take. It was disappointing but you respect it and keep working hard knowing that this was coming up and another big one in June.”