Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has earned the nickname Postman Pat from his Scotland teammates after racking up three goals and three assists in his last three games, on account that he always delivers for his country.

Griffiths scored the second goal in Scotland’s two-nil win over Malta at Hampden last night, keeping Gordon Strachan’s side’s hopes of qualification to the world Cup next year alive.

And he hopes that he can keep delivering for his country, and keep a hold of the dark blue number nine jersey in the process.

“The boys are calling me Postman Pat in there,” Griffiths laughed. “I think it’s my big nose!

“It’s just good to be involved for my country. If I can score goals and assist people to make sure the country gets three points, then I’m delighted with that.

“You just need play well for your club, and then when you get a chance with your country you need to grab it with both hands.

“I said last week that my place in the team isn’t cemented, you have to prove yourself every time in training.

“Thankfully the manager stuck with the same team and I’ve managed to repay him.”

Griffiths picked up a calf injury in the win over the Maltese and was replaced with 20 minutes remaining, but he hopes to be fine for Friday night’s Celtic clash against Hamilton.

He would understand if he was rested with the Champions League tie against Paris Saint Germain on the horizon next Tuesday, but he is so desperate to keep the shirt he will play if required.

“I’m alright, it was just a precautionary one I think,” he said. “I got a wee kick on the back of my calf but it shouldn’t be anything too serious and I should be fine for Friday.

“Whether the manager wants to rest me or not is a different story, but I’ll speak to the physio and then speak to the gaffer.

“You obviously want to be available for Tuesday, so if the gaffer wants me to rest it on Friday night, then I’ll need to do that."