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

Eastern Daily Press: Robert Lewandowski is in the form of his life for Bayern Munich and Poland.Robert Lewandowski is in the form of his life for Bayern Munich and Poland.

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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