We can deliver as Scotland’s moment of truth arrives

Former Dons and Ross County manager Alex Smith delivers his verdict on the week in football

Scotland defender Alan Hutton says the pressure is on the Republic of Ireland for tomorrow’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin.

With a two-point advantage over Ireland in Group D, third-placed Scotland knowawinwouldgo a long way towards rulingMartin O’Neill’s side out of the running to qualify for France next summer.

Aston Villa defender Hutton is intent on securing a win that he reckons would leave Ireland’s qualification hopes slim.

Given Scotland’s advantage ahead of the game, the former Rangers and Tottenham full back says the home side will be under pressure to deliver a result in front of their own supporters.

Hutton said: “They are at home and will be expected to come out and play well and beat us. A lot of the pressure will be on them to do that. If we stick to our own game and play as we have been for the lastwhile, we can cause them a lot of problems.

“Everyone knows how important the game is and I’d imagine there will be nervous moments. It will be aboutwhois betteron the day and who can deal with it better.

“Awinwouldmake it tough for them. We also know there are a lot of games still to be played. I would never say never but the points would be tough for them. It’s our aim to go to Dublin and get something.”

Scotland won 1-0 in their lastmeetingwithIreland in November, with Shaun Maloney’s goal proving decisive at Parkhead. Much was made of how physical an encounter that was and Hutton expects much of the same at Aviva Stadium tomorrow. The 30-year-old said: “That’s normal. Looking at games between Scotland, England and Ireland, we are all very passionate.

“We know what is at stake and we want to do well. A lot of the boys play against each other and we want the bragging rights.”

Hutton says this weekend’s game is pivotal to Scotland’s hopes of reaching their firstmajortournament since the 1998World Cup, also in France, and reckons it is among the most important games of his international career.

The 43-times capped defender added: “It’ll be up there.

“It’s one of the biggest games with everything so tight in the group. It’s going to be a massive occasion.”

If you are a Scotland supporter then it’s fair to say games don’t come any bigger than this one.

The Tartan Army supporters are on their way en masse to Dublin for the most important game we’ve played in years.

Victory against the Republic of Ireland in their own backyard tomorrow will put Gordon Strachan’s side firmly on course for a place in the European championship finals in France next year.

It’s been 17 years since we last enjoyed being at the big party in the summer and if the anguish of watching from home since doesn’t drive the country on to a famous victory tomorrow then nothing will.

The atmosphere when we beat the Republic at Parkhead earlier in the campaign was incredible but a win in Dublin would mean even more and the fact we’re playing one of our Celtic cousins in a typical British-style game suits us perfectly.

This will be a UK clubstyle game with no quarter given, players thundering into tackles on either side, and moments of genuine quality scattered through what promises to be a pulsating 90 minutes.

The Irish simply must win to keep their hopes alive and that suits Scotland. Gordon’s team is perfectly suited to playing counter-attacking football and the chance to hit the Irish on the break is one the likes of Ikechi Anya, Steven Naismith and Shaun Maloney will relish.

There has been great debate about whether Robbie Keane should play and I hope he does. Keane will be 35 next month and, with all due respect, he is not the fearsome forward he once was.

Had we been facing a Keane aged 28 or 29 it would be a different story, but we’re not; we’re playing a guy who plays in the MLS in the United States and who does not possess the blistering pace he once had.

He is still a class act but if we can make sure we defend outside the box and leave him with some yards to cover to get into the box then we can keep him quiet.

That’s easier said than done when you have a team which wants to sit deep and soak up the pressure before countering, but I am sure Gordon will have a system in mind which can do both.

This is Scotland’s time and I’m confident the manager and players can deliver.

Win this game and the feel-good factor in the nation will reach a new high for the summer.

“This will be a UK club-style game with no quarter given, players thundering into tackles”

Alan Hutton: Stick to game