CHRIS Martin has warned on-form Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths he faces a fight to oust him from the Scotland side in the wake of their emphatic 5-1 triumph over Malta.

The 27-year-old was a surprise choice to lead the line for the national team in their opening Russia 2018 qualifier in the National Stadium in Ta’Qali on Sunday evening.

Steven Fletcher had been widely expected to be given the nod to start the Group F game by Gordon Strachan after Griffiths pulled out of the squad with a hamstring injury.

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But Martin, who moved from Derby County to their English Championship rivals Fulham on loan on the day the transfer window closed last week, more than justified his selection.

He netted his side’s all-important second goal early in the second half and then won a penalty which Robert Snodgrass converted to put the result beyond doubt.

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The Tartan Army have been clamouring for Griffiths, who has scored seven goals so far in the 2016/17 campaign, to be given a chance up front ahead of Fletcher for some time now.

But Martin, whose goal against Malta took his tally for Scotland to two in seven games, is optimistic he has done enough to be considered for the qualifier with Lithuania at Hampden next month.

Martin said: “If you are in possession of the shirt then you have to do everything to keep it and hopefully I’ve done that against Malta.

“The manager told me to enjoy it and play my natural game which is to try and bring people into the game and stay in the box.

“He’s been brilliant with me – really encouraging me all the time and hopefully I can continue to repay him. I hope to stay in the position.

“Griff was unlucky to get his injury at such a big time for him with internationals. He’s started the season on fire again and has enjoyed a fantastic year to 18 months.

“I’m sure that if he was in the squad he would have started but he wasn’t and that gives others a chance. Hopefully I’ve now taken that.”

He added: “You have seen the quality of the lads behind me and those who didn’t make the squad so every time you get the chance you have to perform or there are others in the wings ready to take your slot.

“I just have to keep my head down, concentrate on myself and put in the performances and if I keep getting goals then hopefully I’ll stay in the team.

“I thought I trained well last week. I’ve not had the best start to the season with my club form and it was a little bit of a surprise when I was named.

“I got my head round it quickly and it was nice of the manager to show faith in me and hopefully i can repay him with goals.”

Martin’s goal eased Scotland’s nerves against minnows who last won an international match over three years ago.

But the centre forward believes the national team should be encouraged by the performance and result against opponents many leading international sides have struggled against.

“The goal for them changed the game and it got a little bit nervy at the end of the first half,” he said.

“But we showed great character and bravery to get on the ball. We were positive and we did well against a notoriously tough team to break down. They’ve lost to the odd goal against Italy, Croatia and Austria so it was a good result.

“I ran straight over to Matt (Ritchie) right away as he put it on a plate for me. But as all strikers will tell you, you have to get yourself in that position to score and I was very thankful that it fell to me. It was hard to miss from there.”