Fletcher targets ‘massive’ result

The rivalry between Scotland and Ireland ahead of next month’s Euro 2016 qualifier is providing plenty of fodder for conversation in the north east corner of England these days.

Ireland captain John O’Shea returned to Sunderland three weeks ago chuffed after crowning his 100th cap with a precious equaliser in Germany.

Greeting the Waterford man back on Wearside was another Group D participant equally pleased by the outcome of the international week for his native Scotland.

Steven Fletcher’s rehabilitation in a Scottish shirt had continued in Warsaw against Poland, a draw positioning them neatly alongside Germany in the hunting packing chasing the Poles and Ireland.

Even Martin O’Neill, whom Fletcher played under at the Stadium of Light, forecasts the likely revival of Germany over the campaign to leave Ireland, Scotland and Poland fighting for the second automatic qualifying berth.

That places huge significance on the upcoming game at Parkhead, where a victory would elevate Scotland level on seven points with the Irish after four games.

Furthermore, the Tartan Army have the formality of a tie against Gibraltar in March to complete the first half of the campaign while the Irish square up to Poland.

“It’s hard to qualify for these tournaments, so a result against Ireland would be a massive for us,” said Fletcher.

“The Ireland match was always going to be a big one for us players and the fans, even if it was a friendly. I know quite a few of the Irish players too, especially John O’Shea from my club.”

Euphoria gained from taking a point in Poland last month was tempered for Fletcher and his squad somewhat when news emerged of O’Shea’s heroics in Gelsenkirchen on the same night.

Ireland had earned a point in the home of the world champions, a feat Scotland almost managed in Dortmund four weeks earlier in a fixture they lost 2-1.

“It was unfortunate for us that John got that late equaliser for Ireland against the Germans,” said the Scot.

“I’m delighted he did it on his 100th cap but I’ll just be concentrating on getting Scotland a result when we face them.”