Scotland focused on “must-win” Ireland game

“We’re at home for this one and I think it’s a must to take three points.”

Thoughts of many in Scottish football may be turning to a post-Independence Referendum contest with England, but for Kevin Gallacher victory in Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifying tie with the Republic of Ireland is more important.

Gallacher, the Lancashire-based former Blackburn and Newcastle striker, believes Scotland must beat a side led by Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane at Celtic Park to enhance their claims of a place at a first major tournament since 1998.