Steven Naismith calls for Scotland performance

Steven Naismith says it is time for the Scotland players to step up and produce a performance for boss Gordon Strachan.

The coach has come in for plenty of criticism in recent months following his side’s mixed start to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, a feat they are 21.00 to achieve, and questions have been asked as to how long he will stay in the role.

Friday could give the 59-year-old a shot at redemption when he takes his side south of the border to take on the Auld Enemy England on Friday.

Scotland are the 10.00 underdogs to win at Wembley, with the draw 4.75 and the Three Lions 1.36.

A surprise win would help keep some of Strachan’s doubters at bay but for his side to get a result, their players will need to start producing the goods following a string of poor results.

Naismith will be hoping for a start at Wembley against the Three Lions, who are also in the midst of managerial uncertainty due to the FA’s indecision over interim boss Gareth Southgate’s future.

The Norwich forward says Strachan has the full support of his players and says it is about time they start performing for the boss. “The squad are definitely behind the manager,” said Naismith.

“We know what he has done for a lot of the players, in terms of giving the younger boys a chance. In every game, the players are behind him but results haven’t gone our way. “The manager is the guy at the top who takes the criticism. But we are as much to blame as he is, if not more.

It’s not a case of the manager says this and he is to blame.”