Scotland midfielder Robert Snodgrass believes Sunday’s victory against Slovenia will give the national team some much needed momentum for the rest of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
A defeat or a draw would have effectively ended any hopes of Gordon Strachan’s side reaching next year’s showpiece in Russia – and could have resulted in a parting of ways with the manager.
But Chris Martin’s winning goal, which arrived two minutes from time, has moved Scotland onto seven points in their group and only two points behind second place Slovakia.
West Ham player Snodgrass felt his side were worthy winners.
He said: “It was a relief in the end. People say it was typical Scotland as we left it to the last minute but I thought we were great.
“We were brilliant in the first half. We passed, moved and created chances.
“If we had taken a few of them it would have been a comfortable night as I don’t remember Slovenia causing us any problems.
“This is the best we’ve played in this campaign.
“They were a big physical side and it was up to us to trust ourselves on the ball.
“We didn’t do that in the 1-1 friendly with Canada last Wednesday.
“When you get that losing mentality you lose faith in what the aim is.
“The manager touched on that and urged us to get back to where we were in the last campaign.
“We put them under pressure and that’s what it takes at the top level.”
Snodgrass was disappointed that a section of the Tartan Army chose to boo goalscorer Martin when he came on as a late substitute but the on-loan Fulham forward had the final say by netting the only goal of the game.
He said: “That is part and parcel of football. Chris knows that.
“Chris is a big enough boy. He’s probably had it at different stages of his career when he’s gone through a goal drought.
“He’s a great lad and it is great to have him around the place.
“The manager has to be given credit for putting him on in the first place.
“He maybe knew he was going to get that reception.
“I’m delighted for both of them. For the manager to have the courage to make that decision and for Chris to go on and have the last laugh.”
Snodgrass also felt Celtic left back Kieran Tierney deserved special praise for a flawless shift on the right side of defence.
He said: “I thought Tierney looked as if he had played at right back all his career.
“He was brilliant and for such a young lad he has a great head on his shoulders.
“I told him he has been playing out of position on the left. I’m sure he’s a right back.
“I thought Scott Brown was massive for us as well.
“He was that driving force at times and was encouraging the young lads to do well.
“You could see the Celtic boys were playing with confidence at club level.”
