Snodgrass keen to continue red-hot start to the season

Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass insists his treble against Malta for Scotland was the perfect reward for months of hard work, pain and suffering behind the scenes.

After missing the entire Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a knee injury, Snodgrass was delighted to make such a positive impact on what was his first competitive international appearance in almost three years.

Tipped to struggle in England’s top-flight this season, Snodgrass and Hull have enjoyed a dream start, winning their first two games and then narrowly losing against Manchester United in injury time before the international break.

However, Snodgrass has caught the eye with a series of barnstorming performances for the injury-depleted Tigers and became only the second player in 47 years to net a hat-trick for Scotland after Steven Fletcher’s two three-goal hauls against Gibraltar last season.

And the midfielder is determined to build on his treble and keep delivering for both club and country.

(Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“People down south know how hard I have worked but I think some people back up in Scotland might not be aware of the work I have put in,” he said.

“I missed the entire campaign last time and it was hard watching as a fan. I did some media work too but there’s nothing like pulling on that jersey and scoring for your country.

“I’ve had to work hard week-in, week-out and I really feel I have turned the corner this season in terms of my injury. To do this for your country is amazing.

“I wasn’t aware of the hat-trick stat. I asked the referee for the match ball at the end but he said I had to wait and he would come into the dressing room. He was true to his word so I got all the boys to sign it which means they’re part of it all now too.

“It’s a great feeling on a personal level but from a team point of view it’s magnificent because it sets us up for the rest of the campaign.”