David Marshall pleased to reach end of transfer window

Marshall's future was uncertain for the vast majority of August with West Brom negotiating with Cardiff for five weeks before turning their attention to Anders Lindegaard, who joined the Baggies on a free transfer from Manchester United on Monday.

West Brom's pursuit of Marshall was played out in public and the former Celtic goalkeeper, despite his desire to return to the Barclays Premier League, is at least relieved that the speculation is at an end ahead of Scotland's qualifier in Tbilisi on Friday night.

"It will be put to bed by the time these games come around," Marshall said.

"It's not an ideal scenario. I agree with people who think the transfer window should be done before the first game kicks off.

"It's not ideal playing three or four league games when it's constantly talked about and bids are coming in. But that's the situation and you just need to get on with it."

Marshall was previously linked with Arsenal after an impressive season in the top flight in 2013-14 but his quickest route back there now appears to be a successful promotion campaign with Cardiff.

The 30-year-old said: "I have never had to make a decision myself. Until it gets to that stage, you just get your head down and get on with it.

"Obviously everybody wants to play at the highest level as they possibly can. But players just have to get on with it.

"We are given contracts and we have to go out and play to the best of our ability, which we do every week."

Marshall has had to be at his peak to retain his Scotland place amid competition from former first-choice keepers Allan McGregor and Craig Gordon.

The former Celtic goalkeeper has played in all six of Scotland's European Qualifiers and has helped them maintain a position just behind the top two in the group, leaders Poland and Germany.

But he is not taking his position for granted.

"The pressure is always going to be there when you have that quality of goalkeeper in the squad," said Marshall, who was back at his old school, St Thomas's Primary in Riddrie, in the east end of Glasgow, for a Tesco Bank Football Challenge event with pupils.

"I was fortunate enough that the gaffer went with me at the start of the qualifiers. But I don't think I would ever feel safe no matter who was in the squad, because it's such a high standard.

"But I have played the first six so I'm hoping to finish the campaign and hopefully it can be a successful one."

With McGregor suffering from some minor injuries last season and a shaky start to this campaign with Hull, Gordon's resurgence has put particular pressure on Marshall.

But the presence of the Scottish Football Writers' player of the year is nothing but a positive.

"We have known each other for so long," Marshall said. "I have been in the squad with Craig for 10 years now so it's not a problem.

"Everyone has had their different issues in their career to get to this stage so there are never any issues, it's all friendly.

"The more quality players you can have in the squad, the better. It's great to have Craig, Allan and myself in the squad."