Harry’s a top lad but I would have had a Canary if you told me how good he would become after a miserable loan spell with us
HOTSHOT WASN’T ALWAYS LETHAL Scotland star Russell wishes we were facing shy young kid before his rise to top
and England now and I’d imagine he will be one of a lot of players we’ll have to stop. Look at Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, they’re all regulars at top clubs.”
Martin won’t have played for a month by the time he runs out at Hampden to face England and admitted the timing of the crucial qualifier isn’t great.
But he has continued training since featuring for Norwich in their 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the English Championship season.
He helped keep a vital clean sheet against Slovenia with Chris Martin striking at the death at the other end to keep the Russia 2018 dream alive.
Gordon Strachan is likely to stick with the same back four where Martin partnered Charlie Mulgrew in the heart of defence with Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson in the full back positions.
Martin knows the Tartan Army have a huge part to play and said: “The win for us against Slovenia changes everything.
“We always believed in the group but it’s difficult when you don’t have the results to back it up. The win gives the fans a little bit of belief and that makes a difference. When they are behind us we’re a force to be reckoned with.
“After England, the group is wide open and a result next Saturday – which we’re well capable of getting – could be huge.
“I don’t think it’s an ideal time for any of us to be playing a game but if there is ever a game you want in this period it’s this one as it whets everyone’s appetite.
“I’ve carried on training as normal since the end of the season as you can’t go into it cold. There will be time for a rest after the game.
“I just replicate the week as if I was preparing for a league game.
“After the last game we’ll have the fans with us, Hampden will be packed and hopefully we’ll get a positive result.”