Players always retained belief, claims Griffiths

Leigh Griffiths, scorer of Scotland’s second goal, claimed that the players always felt they could have a chance of qualification, writes Ian Roache.

The Celtic striker, who came off injured but hopes he will be OK, said: “The boys always had belief. We knew it was going to be difficult but we always had that belief in the squad.

“It was a real sucker punch not getting the three points against England and if we had won that game we would be flying.

“But we’ve had four good performances in a row now (against Slovenia, England, Lithuania and Malta) and we are looking forward to the last few games. Slovakia will be hurting after Wembley and they know they are in for a right hard game here.

“They bullied us a bit in the 3-0 game so they won’t be frightened by us. Hopefully we can replicate the last few performances, though, and get the result. We have a bit of a point to prove. You always want revenge after a result like that in the first game.

“That won’t be on our minds on the night though. It’s all about getting the points on the board.”

The former Dundee man revealed that he has earned a new nickname because he always delivers.

That is now three goals and three assists in the last three games for Scotland and Griffiths said: “The boys are calling me Postman Pat in there. I think it’s my big nose!

“It’s just good to be involved for my country. If I can score goals and assist people to make sure the country gets three points, then I’m delighted with that.”

Griffiths limped off in the 70th minute with a calf knock and was replaced by Chris Martin but the Celtic attacker is confident it is nothing serious.

He said: “It is OK. I went off as a precaution.”

Scotland U21s kick-off their European Championship qualification bid tonight (7.30) against Holland in Paisley.

Leigh Grififiths scored his third goal in three games for Scotland.