Chris Martin admitted yesterday that Scotland’s European Championship qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland has taken the pressure off ahead of the friendly match against England tomorrow night.

A terrific goal by Shaun Maloney at Celtic Park on Friday night took the Scots level with the Irish and Germany on seven points, three behind Group D leaders Poland, as the qualifiers go into abeyance until next March when group minnows Gibraltar, without a goal or a point in four fixtures, visit Hampden Park.

Asked if Scotland could enjoy the game against the Auld Enemy at Parkhead better knowing that three vital European Championship qualifying points had been secured, the 26-year-old Derby striker said: “I think so. The pressure is off a little bit in that game.

“Hopefully we can go and enjoy ourselves and give the fans something to shout about again.

“It was a massive win, and obviously we will take massive confidence into the England game.

“Hopefully we will be on a high and so will the fans.”

Suffolk-born Martin played for England Under-19s but qualifies for Scotland through his Glaswegian father and he made his debut as a substitute in the friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage in May.

The former Norwich player felt “privileged” to make his fourth appearance off the bench against the Irish, replacing Steven Fletcher after the break, in “one of the biggest occasions and biggest crowds I have played in front of.”