The last time Slovenia came to town, Scotland's story was very different.

It was 19 years since our last major tournament appearance, and Gordon Strachan’s team were well off the pace in their attempts to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, with a measly four points from four matches and only a victory over Malta to shout about.

The 20,000 hardy souls who turned out at the National Stadium were needing a lift and they got one from a, somewhat, unlikely figure.

It had been an improved performance against Slovenia, with Leigh Griffiths hitting the woodwork twice, but it was still goalless with ten minutes to go when Strachan turned to Chris Martin.

With only two Scotland goals to his name, Martin was not the obvious solution, but it was the striker who made the difference, receiving Stuart Armstrong’s pass and clinically slotting home in the 88th minute to send the home supporters wild.

“One hundred per cent, it was my best moment with Scotland by a mile,” Martin said.

“To be honest, it was relief more than anything. I remember that we needed to win.

“I think the manager was under a little bit of pressure at the time, so it was more relief thinking that we're still in with a shout really.

“It was just elation. To be honest it wasn't the cleanest strike, I think if I watch it back it probably bobbles into the net, and I’m not sure how the goalkeeper lets it in but I wasn't bothered at all and I just remember wheeling away and celebrating and everyone going mad, so it was a really cool feeling.

“With both of the campaigns I was involved in, we were close but just not quite there. We just fell away, or there was one result here or there that swung it and I remember we lost to Georgia in the campaign before.

“I remember that Slovenia game because we would have got a play-off if we'd won that last game. That’s, kind of, my overriding memory of my time with Scotland was that we were close but never quite managed to get over the line.

“We were just a little bit unlucky at times and obviously the boys now have managed to get rid of that feeling and always managed to qualify and got a lot stronger."

Martin and Robertson made their Scotland debuts within two months of either other, and although Martin admits he could not have predicted that the left back would one day win a century of caps, he was always impressed with him.

“To be honest, one thing - and I know it's probably a bit cliché - was that he was just a good lad, a great teammate,” Martin said.

“Always involved with all the boys and the banter. When I was there, he could definitely play, but I wouldn't have seen him in the role that he is now, with the responsibility that he’s taken on with the captaincy and the maturity that he’s shown and the leadership qualities.

“I'm not saying he didn't have those qualities already but he was quite a bit younger but it’s been unreal to see the rise that he's had since then.

“I think he's very level-headed from where he came from and how his career unfolded, it probably gave him that humility from the very beginning and I think that he's shown that no matter where he's gone to."

Martin did not always have the easiest relationship with the Scotland supporters, and there was even a smattering of boos when he entered the field ahead of his Slovenia goal.

And while he concedes that it can sometimes be more difficult for the players who are playing in the English Championship to win over fans, who do not watch them as much, he insists he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the national team.

He added: “I would say probably if you play down south and you've never played in Scotland I think it probably takes a little bit more to win people over.

“But I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the camps, meeting the lads. I always felt like I was involved. I think sometimes you go away with a big squad, a lot of numbers and you feel like that's too much.

“If you're not starting the games, you can get a little bit frustrated but for me being a striker, even if it was for five minutes, ten minutes, I always felt like I was going to get a chance or an opportunity to get on the pitch.

“So I was always very interested and keep wanting to go back and just grateful for the opportunity to be honest.”

The full interview with Chris Martin is available in Tuesday night's match programme, which can be purchased outside Barclays Hampden, or online here.