Martin was booed as he made his way onto the pitch - four minutes later, he ensured World Cup hopes were stayed alive
15:43, 27 Mar 2017Updated 15:43, 27 Mar 2017
Martin struck late to give Scotland a big victory in their qualifying campaign(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Sometimes managers know best.
Chris Martin was booed as he was introduced by those hardy Scottish souls that turned up at Hampden. Then he saved them.
With the emotion and passion flowing we forget it occasionally. We are all guilty of thinking we know better but after years of coaching, planning and learning their trade, not to mention many of them winning trophies as players, managers are better qualified than us.
My international weeks since September have been focused on Scotland with ITV. I have Scottish heritage, only a dram you could say, and certainly not enough to give me a dilemma when the auld enemy meet but it means when they play I want them to win.
The Strachan beat has not been an easy one. Gordon is good guy. He is a manager who has won the lot with Celtic, and taken Southampton to an FA Cup Final.
Martin hit home the dramatic late winner for Scotland over Slovenia(Image: REUTERS)
He was clearly delighted when he saw the ball cannon in off the post(Image: REUTERS)
Martin was booed when he first entered the pitch(Image: REUTERS)
The former Manchester United, Leeds and Aberdeen serial winner has had his critics, and everyone knew it was win against Slovenia or it was over.
In our pre match meeting Jacqui Oatley said she’d heard a rumour that Scotland were going to play Kieran Tierney at right back. I said I couldn’t believe it.
At 19, with two caps to his name, to play out of position in such a pivotal game seemed a gamble. Especially when Ikechi Anya had performed that role well in the last couple of games.
He was excellent. A little uncomfortable occasionally, and very left footed, but what a mature performance. 1-0 Gordon.
Tierney impressed for Scotland during the win over Slovenia(Image: Daily Record)
There appears to be more life in Strachan's management reign(Image: Ian MacNicol)
Debut’s in watershed games are dangerous but Stuart Armstrong made his and the transition was seemless. 2-0 Gordon.
The first half was a rash of Scottish chances, Griffiths hitting the woodwork as often as any carpenter, Jan Oblak making saves like the monster goalkeeper he is. Goalless at half time but Strachan’s men on top. The better team by a distance.
The second half was dogged. Where the first half had been so easy to watch, edit and commentate on, this was not.
A buzz in my ear with 15 minutes to go said as much.
It looked like it was going to be a frustrating night for Scotland(Image: REUTERS)
Scotland dominated but had failed to make it pay in the early stages(Image: Getty Images Europe)
“Have you ever seen two more different halves of football?” Barked the producer from the studio. “I haven’t got any clips yet!”
I buzzed him back.
“He needs to bring on Jordon Rhodes, but he won’t. He will bring on Chris Martin.”
And there he was. Jeered and mocked as he entered on 84 minutes. Chris Martin, the striker on loan at Fulham with just two international goals. One against Gibraltar and one against Malta.
Martin's goal proved to be exactly what Scotland needed(Image: PA)
No chance now. It’s too little. It’s too late.
Just four minutes later he was heading to the corner flag screaming in delight, after squeezing home after Stuart Armstrong had dazzled.
Surrounded by his ecstatic teammates, now he was celebrated by the sparse crowd.
3-0 Gordon, but crucially, 1-0 Scotland.
Is Gordon Strachan still the right man for Scotland?
Is Gordon Strachan still the right man for Scotland?
Yes
No