Gordon Strachan prepared for ‘intense’ clash in Dublin

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.

Scotland face Qatar in a friendly match today but the manager’s mind is already focused on the upcoming clash at the Aviva Stadium.

“It is going to be an intense game,” he said. “You need to be fit to play in this game, you need to have experience to play in it and you need to relish it. I don’t have a problem with that last bit, everybody wants to play.