Gordon Strachan bemoaned Scotland's genetic make-up after his side lost out on a World Cup play-off on goal difference following a 2-2 draw in Slovenia.

The Republic of Ireland now know that a win away to Wales tomorrow guarantees them at least a World Cup play-off spot.

Scotland's 2018 World Cup hopes remain alive after a sensational late winner in the victory over 10-man Slovakia at Hampden Park.

Scotland remain in the hunt for a World Cup qualification play-off spot.

In the PaperTalk Football Show, Larry Ryan talks to Limerick's most celebrated Leeds United fan Niall Quinn. 

England 3 Scotland 0: On a day when both teams took on FIFA and won, the 113th match between England and Scotland ended, as it has done rather often in recent history, with three points for the men in white but frustration for those north of the border who left Wembley ruminating on missed chances and wasted opportunities.

For the week that’s in it, what could be more appropriate than to address the congregation with a reading from the Book Of Bob?

Blaise Matuidi’s late strike steered France to a 3-2 victory over Holland on an emotional night at the Amsterdam Arena.

Steven Fletcher scored his second Group D hat-trick against Gibraltar tonight.

Poland manager Adam Nawalka has warned Scotland and the Republic of Ireland that they will have to cope with “the best striker in the world” in Robert Lewandowski as the Group D qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 reaches its finale.

WHEN the regular barmaid/manageress of a remote Corsican village tavern vanishes without trace in the middle of the night, the bar’s owner, Marie-Angele, urgently needs to fill the vacancy.

Having seen his side take over 45 minutes to get going against Georgia, Martin O’Neill wants his team on the front foot for the visit of world champions Germany next month.

Group D’s qualification permutations became a lot clearer following Monday night’s results ahead of two final rounds of fixtures in October.

Scotland 2 Germany 3: Scotland would probably have settled for two goals against the world champions before this Euro 2016 Group D qualifier kicked off but, crucially, the three they conceded leaves them behind Ireland in the playoff hunt.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan insists Friday’s hold-up in Georgia has had no effect on preparations for the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany at Hampden Park tonight.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan felt his players were short of the accuracy needed to break down a stubborn Georgia defence as his team fell to a 1-0 European Championship qualifying defeat.

If this stellar weekend for Irish sport was Live Aid, then Gibraltar versus Ireland would be Status Quo — bottom of the bill, and everyone knows what to expect.

With Gibraltar v Ireland on September 4 regarded by many – if not Martin O’Neill – as a foregone conclusion, there will almost be as much interest from Irish supporters in the Georgia v Scotland and Germany v Poland games which also take place in European Championship Group D on the same day.

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill was in defiant mood after seeing Scotland “get away” with a priceless Euro 2016 point in Dublin.

The carousel has a few more circuits to run before the music stops, but Ireland’s Euro 2016 ride is all but over with four qualifying games still to go after this 1-1 draw with Scotland that leaves them needing an incredulous string of results to make it to France.

Few faces do instant scorn as well as Gordon Strachan’s so there were some with bated breath at the Aviva Stadium last night when the Scotland manager was asked if his side was in Dublin with the aim of playing for a draw.

Messi gave up processed food this season, we heard this week from nutritionist Giuliano Poser, seemingly the true driving force behind Barcelona’s surge out of pre-Christmas lethargy to intestinal purity and treble glory.

Martin O’Neill said earlier this week that defeat against Scotland today would leave Ireland with a mountain to climb in European Championship Group D.

His subtle but succinct skewering of John Delaney grabbed all the attention on this side of the Irish Sea, but closer to home, it was another of Stewart Regan’s observations that stood out from the rest. 

Charlie Mulgrew admits Scott Brown may not get the credit he deserves from all quarters, but he warned the Republic of Ireland they are about to discover how good the Scotland skipper really is.

“I always thought there was something wrong with Aiden’s eyesight,” smiles Tom Boyd, when told that Aiden McGeady reckons Ireland have a better first-choice XI than Scotland – a difference of opinion that will be put to the definitive test in their Euro 2016 qualifying clash in Dublin on Saturday.

New Scottish Football Association president Alan McRae says qualifying for Euro 2016 would be the perfect tribute to the late chief executive David Taylor.

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan says he is close to finalising his plans for an “intense” Euro 2016 battle with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next week.

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths and Dundee ‘keeper Scott Bain have been called up to the Scotland squad for their Euro 2016 qualifier against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on June 13.

Euro 2016 Qualifire Group D

Gordon Greer has revealed he has been given the inside track on Gibraltar ahead of Scotland’s Euro qualifier against the Group D minnows at Hampden Park tomorrow (kick-off 5pm). 

Scotland 1 Northern Ireland 0: A late header by substitute Christophe Berra gave Scotland a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in their Vauxhall International Challenge match at Hampden Park.

In football, there is an infinite number of reasons why a manager can be asked to pack his bags, but the bottom line when the new man is hired is always the same: do better than the last guy.

Gordon Strachan has dismissed suggestions Scotland’s 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland was over-physical.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan admitted the standard of football in last night’s match between Scotland and Ireland wasn’t the highest, but said it made for gripping viewing.

“We are absolutely still in this, without a doubt.”

All sound and fury, no pause for thought — and certainly none of the craft that Shaun Maloney and Scotland displayed.

THE REPUBLIC of Ireland failed the test of nerve at a raucous Celtic Park last night as Gordon Strachan's Scotland jockeyed themselves into Euro 2016 qualification contention.

Shaun Maloney revealed his outstanding winning goal for Scotland against the Republic of Ireland was the result of a well-worked training ground move.