Scotland boss Gordon Strachan hails Leigh Griffiths' development

Gordon Strachan says Leigh Griffiths is a much better player compared to when he took over as Scotland boss in 2013.

Griffiths has three goals and three assists in his last three games for Scotland, helping drag them back into the qualification shake-up for next year's World Cup in Russia.

"The guy who played up front when we beat Croatia 1-0 four years ago is a completely different person," said Strachan.

"He knows the game far better, is fitter, stronger; he's become an all-round better player. That's all down to him.

"A couple of years ago he might have been going to Hibs on loan. At this moment he's the No 1 pick for the national side and has done that all by himself."

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Scotland sit fourth in Group F, one point behind second-placed Slovakia, who they face at Hampden Park on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Main Event from 6.55pm.

Despite such high stakes, Strachan says the mood is relaxed among the squad.

"We enjoy ourselves no matter what the circumstances, but it makes it a lot easier if you've been picking up points," he said.

"The edge to training has been terrific."

Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon will win his 50th cap in Thursday's must-win Qualifier, and Strachan says he deserves whatever accolades come his way after overcoming a two-year battle with a serious knee injury.

"It's bigger than most people who get to 50 caps," said Strachan. "Normally it's a run of form that gives you caps, but he had to deal with an injury that most of us thought would mean he would not play at the top level again.

"For him to knock that aside and come back, he's a better goalkeeper now than he was 10 years ago.

"He's far more experienced, better at certain things, so for him - and whoever backed him and stood by him at the time - they can all give themselves a pat on the back for him getting to where he is today."