Russell Martin says his form in recent times is due to the faith Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has shown in him.

The centre-back, 29, is now an integral part of the Scotland line-up after consistent performances with Norwich City and he believes it is down to the fact that Strachan has been giving him plenty of opportunities to prove himself.

"I think the way we've been playing over the last 18 months has certainly helped me," he told the Scottish Daily Mail.

"Playing for Gordon Strachan, the confidence he's given me, I'm playing centre-half every week for Norwich now - and that's because of my exploits with Scotland.

"So being a Scotland player has been huge for me, career wise. And you can't underestimate the confidence you get from playing on the international stage, taking on quality teams in great stadiums all over Europe - and getting good results.

"And that's down to the manager, who has been brilliant with me - as good as the club manager has been."