Scotland vs. Ireland: Key Issues That Will Shape Euro Qualifier

The Republic of Ireland travel to Celtic Park on Friday night to face Scotland in what promises to be a compelling clash in Group D.

Martin O’Neill’s Ireland go into the game in fantastic form with seven points from a possible nine to sit joint top of one of the most competitive qualifying group for the 2016 European Championship.

Meanwhile, Scotland are aiming to continue their rejuvenation under Gordon Strachan, which has kept them in the hunt for a place at a major tournament for the first time in 18 years, following a respectable four points from three difficult opening fixtures.

World champions Germany and Poland are the other teams in contention for qualification in what is expected to be a tight group, meaning defeat for either Scotland or Ireland in Glasgow’s east end on Friday would be an early blow to their qualifying campaigns.

Here are some key issues that will shape the Group D clash.

The greeting of Scotland-born Republic of Ireland players James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady has dominated the build up to the game.

McCarthy will avoid a potentially unfriendly welcome from the Tartan Army as he misses out with injury.  However, the presence of former Celtic winger McGeady, who is perceived to have chosen to represent Ireland rather than Scotland, may still irk many.    

This was further stoked by strong comments from former Scotland player Gordon McQueen. In an interview with The Telegraph’s Ewing Grahame, McQueen stated:

Will it be hard for them coming back here with Ireland? I really hope so. I hope they get a horrible reception because they deserve it. I’m sure somebody must have asked them to play [for] Scotland at some stage.

McGeady is an important player for Ireland, so how he handles the potentially unfavourable atmosphere may have a big impact on the outcome of the game.

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher will be a key figure when he leads the line for Scotland on Friday night. The former Hibernian man has been in decent form recently, netting four goals in his previous five games for the Black Cats, per WhoScored.com.

Much of Scotland’s play will centre on Fletcher, who will take up a lone-striker role with support from a mobile attacking-midfield trio, which will likely include Steven Naismith, Shaun Maloney and Ikechi Anya. 

His importance to the team has been evident already in the campaign. He played in Anya for the Watford winger’s wonderful goal in the narrow defeat to Germany in Dortmund, and it was his terrific diagonal ball that started the move for Shaun Maloney’s opener in Scotland's 2-2 draw in Poland. 

If Fletcher has another good night in a dark-blue jersey, then Scotland can take three crucial points. 

Ireland head into the match with some major injury issues. James McCarthy will avoid the potentially hostile atmosphere at Celtic Park with a hamstring injury.

The loss of the midfielder is a real negative for O’Neill, as the Everton man has been in fine form this season. Other experienced squad members such as Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Kevin Doyle are also out, while Stephen Ward remains a slight doubt. 

Ireland do not have huge strength in depth, so any further drop outs could make a result in Glasgow a significantly more difficult task.

Scotland are not without their own injury problems. The right-back position has caused Gordon Strachan a bit of a headache in the build up to this match, with both regular starter Alan Hutton and experienced cover Phil Bardsley out of the game.    

Uncapped Hearts defender Callum Paterson will provide depth in a position that Steven Whittaker will most likely take up on Friday night. That will leave a space at left-back, where young Hull City player Andrew Robertson will come back into after being left out of the draw in Poland last month.

That reshuffle could leave Scotland more exposed in wide areas but may also give them more of a threat going forward, particularly in Robertson, who was an attacking threat in Scotland’s win over Georgia at Ibrox.

Both managers will be stepping into a very familiar venue on Friday night. Strachan succeeded O’Neill as Celtic manager in 2005 and both enjoyed considerable success in the Hoops dugout. 

Strachan has restored pride in Scotland following Craig Levin’s dark spell in charge, while O’Neill has refreshed Ireland following an underwhelming end to Giovanni Trapattoni’s reasonable spell in charge. 

The charismatic influence of both managers is considerable, and the one who can inspire his players the most will come out on top.

Scotland skipper Scott Brown will be crucial to his side's chances of gaining control of what is likely to be a hectic game.

The Celtic man is used to exerting his influence on matters at Parkhead, so the combative midfielder will relish the big occasion on Friday night. 

A highly charged atmosphere will create a frenzied game, particularly in the early stages. If Brown can stamp his authority on the match in those initial minutes, then he can set the platform for the hosts to secure a vital win.