Challenges ideal for Martin

Scotland defender Russell Martin believes friendly matches against Italy and France will help Gordon Strachan’s men prepare for the World Cup campaign.

Strachan will take his squad to Metz for a game against Euro 2016 hosts France on Saturday, having lost 1-0 to Italy in Malta last weekend.

Scotland return to Malta in September to start their qualifying campaign and will face Group B opponents Lithuania, Slovakia and England before the end of the year while a visit from Slovenia awaits next March.

And the Norwich centre-back reckons the players will be ready for the challenge when the competitive action begins.

“This will get us ready physically and mentally,” Martin said.

“We learnt a lot on Sunday night about a different formation. And especially this time of year, you don’t want to be coming away and playing friendlies that don’t have any meaning.

“I know we’ve not qualified but these teams are …

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