Get behind Martin and he’ll deliver
PETER GRANT has urged Scotland fans to give Chris Martin the support and the wingers to give him the service to gun down England.
The Fulham coach reckons the 28-year-old is Gordon Strachan’s best attacking option for the Auld Enemy World Cup battle at Hampden.
Martin’s last-gasp strike against Slovenia in March kept the Russia 2018 dream alive as he silenced the fans who jeered him on after his late introduction.
Scotland Under-20s No.2 Grant – who handed the striker his debut a decade ago when he was Norwich manager – was gutted for Martin over his reception but joked he’d got used to it after taking stick from Celtic fans during his playing days.
And after working with Martin at Fulham while he was on loan from Derby last term, the 51-year-old believes he can trouble England’s defence if the team play to his strengths.
Asked if Martin should start against Gareth Southgate’s men on Saturday, Grant said: “Absolutely. You’ve got to play someone who is willing to use a bit of power against them but you have to service him.
“If you play Chris with the right players then he’s got all the qualities.
“If you go by the fullback and put it in early Chris will get between people. He did it at Derby, Fulham and for Scotland.
“He’ll be frustrated if he’s making movement and not getting the ball in the box. When he’s had chances he’s scored.
“I spoke to him about what happened at Hampden. Nobody likes it. I got booed on and booed off every week so I was used to it!
“You only get it if you’re a top player because people expect from you.
“You saw the pride he had when he scored the goal. Fans are supposed to be supporting but we’ve all been there as a frustrated punter.
“He was doing his best. No one was prouder and more happy for him when he scored than me.”
Grant has watched Martin, capped 12 times, mature and said: “I gave Chris his debut at 17 at Norwich. I could see he was a goalscorer.
“He had that little bit of arrogance about him, even as a young man. He’s a lovable rogue and an old type striker.
“He loves his football and going out to represent his country.”
Grant won just two Scotland caps with the first coming in a defeat by England at Hampden in the 1989 Rous Cup encounter.
And as he looked ahead to Hampden the ex-Hoops ace, in France as Scot Gemmill’s No.2 in the Toulon Tournament, added: “I always fancy Scotland against England. Some of their best displays have been against them.
“They got a lot of criticism after the 3-0 defeat at Wembley but Scotland probably had more chances.
“It’s funny I made my debut for Celtic against Rangers and Scotland debut against England.
“Andy Roxburgh said at my testimonial I should have had more caps but I’m not so sure I was good enough.”