Packie Bonner: Ireland and Scotland can both secure qualification

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner believes both Ireland and Scotland can taste the “life-changing” experience of playing in a major finals next summer.

Bonner became a hero when keeping a clean sheet in the Republic’s first game at a major tournament – the 1-0 win over England in Germany in 1988 – and cemented his status when his penalty save from Romania’s Daniel Timofte helped send the Republic into the World Cup quarter-finals two years later.

The former Celtic player, who is still based in Glasgow, is watching the climax of Group D very closely with both his native country and adopted land still vying for qualification for the European Championship finals in France.

Scotland need to get at least a point against Poland tomorrow to keep their play-off hopes alive as the Republic host Germany. And Bonner is convinced both teams could be on the plane to France if Scotland beat second-placed Poland.

“It’s really difficult to call,” said Bonner, who has just released his autobiography, The Last Line. “We are four points ahead but Scotland know if they can get a result against Poland then we could struggle against Germany and it goes down to the last game.

“I do think Scotland could get something against Poland. Ireland did it in the Aviva and there’s no reason why Scotland couldn’t. (Robert) Lewandowski is going through the time of his life but with the fans behind them and the passion that Hampden can produce, the players can do it.

“Ireland need a good performance against Germany. If we take something from that it would be a miracle because they are a good team, but we need a performance to take us into the last game.

“If Poland go into that game needing a result then they could be very nervous and we have nothing to lose. We got something in Germany and there’s no reason why we can’t go to Poland and get something.

“I have played against Poland many times and we have always been able to do something against them. Yes, they have some quality players but Ireland fight and they will fight to the end .”