European hot-shot Robert Lewandowski awaits Norwich City captain Russell Martin

Russell Martin's hopes of a busy summer come up against Europe's top marksman on Thursday night.

The Norwich City captain has played every minute of Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifying campaign so far – one that ends over the coming four days, with Gordon Strachan's side still hopeful of pipping the Republic of Ireland to Group D's play-off spot.

But to do that will involve a positive result against Poland at Hampden Park, where the City centre-back will be among those tasked with doing what many have failed to achieve in recent weeks – keeping Robert Lewandowski quiet.

The Bayern Munich striker has been in sensational form – notching 12 goals in four league games, including five in nine minutes of the German giants' 5-1 home win over Bundesliga title rivals Wolfsburg a fortnight ago.

In fact, the 27-year-old has 20 goals from his 12 games for club and country since the summer – but drew a blank in the 2-2 draw at home to Scotland in the early exchanges of qualifying, almost exactly a year ago.

Scotland's hopes also rely on Ireland coming unstuck, as they travel to Warsaw on Sunday.

'The Poland game is like a play-off game – we have to beat them and hope Germany do their job and beat Ireland,' said Martin.

'It will be an unbelievable atmosphere to play in, a great occasion, and I think we deserve to be there next summer. I'd be gutted if we missed out.'

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