England v Scotland: We want victory to reward '˜fantastic' Gordon Strachan, says Hull City's David Marshall

GOALKEEPER David Marshall says Scotland will be gunning for a win against England as recompense for manager Gordon Strachan.
David Marshall, right, pictured with Scotland team-mates James Morrison and Barry Bannan (Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire).David Marshall, right, pictured with Scotland team-mates James Morrison and Barry Bannan (Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire).
David Marshall, right, pictured with Scotland team-mates James Morrison and Barry Bannan (Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire).

A 1-1 draw at home to Lithuania followed by a 3-0 defeat in Slovakia last month leaves the Scots fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games and desperate for a victory at Wembley on Friday night.

The Hull City player recognises the importance of the match to Scotland’s qualification hopes and to their boss, who came in for criticism after the recent double-header and is under pressure ahead of the trip to London.

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Marshall said: “I don’t think that when we’re playing the game we’re thinking about the manager – we’re thinking about getting a result – but for us as a group of players it would be great to get that win for the gaffer regardless of pressures coming from elsewhere because he’s been a great manager.

“He’s helped a lot of players in this squad get to where they are so it would be good to get a positive result on Friday for 
him.

“He’s been fantastic for the last few years he’s been here; he gave us a lift when he came in, when we were looking down.

“In terms of the result last month, it’s put us in a position where we wouldn’t want to be, but there’s still a long way to go in the campaign.

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“We need to get points on the board as quickly as possible, but there’s no reason to say we couldn’t win games after this that would put us in a position to qualify – but it needs to be sooner rather than later.”

The former Celtic goalkeeper admits that playing against England makes the game more than just a routine qualifier.

“Bottom line is it’s another group game and there’s points at stake, but we know Scotland versus England doesn’t come along often so it’s a big occasion,” said Marshall, who has been joined in the squad by his former Parkhead team-mate Charlie Mulgrew.

“But I’m sure we’ll be ready and focused and concentrated when the game starts.

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“We can’t let the emotions get the better of us and I’m sure that will be the same on the other side as well.

“I’m really looking forward to the game, but the most important thing is getting the result.”

Marshall has played at Wembley with Cardiff, but was on the bench in August 2013 when Scotland lost 3-2 to England in a friendly.