Russell Martin believes Scotland boss has come under unfair criticism after Georgia loss

Russell Martin believes Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has come under unfair criticism

RUSSELL MARTIN believes Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has come in for unfair criticism following the defeat to Georgia on Friday.

 

The 1-0 loss saw the Scots slip to fourth in Group D of the European Championship qualifiers and they now face an uphill task to qualify.

With only one effort on target in Tbilisi – and that was a deflected cross – Strachan’s tactics were panned by the fans. But Martin said: “We have set such high standards for ourselves over the last 18 months or so.

“This is our first setback really since the manager has been in, and now we have to handle that – it’s as simple as that. It’s no time to panic.”

 

Scotland face Germany – now top of the group after their 3-1 win over Poland – at Hampden tomorrow.

Strachan, right, whose side finish their campaign with a home tie against Poland and away to Gibraltar next month, said: “We have got three games left and we need to get as many points as possible.

“We have had a bump and we need to get on with it.

“I have got every confidence in the players to get themselves organised, refreshed and look forward to the challenge.”