DAVID SOLE

Gerrardandtavissuepleatofansaheadofoldfirmshowdown

Gregor Townsend and his troops have a golden opportunity to get their

Six Nations campaign back on track against Ireland this afternoon.

After the disappointment of the Welsh match and the cancellation of their trip to Paris, the Scots should be eager to put things right.

Ireland have, however, become a bit of a ‘bogey’ team for Scotland.

In last year’s match, Stuart Hogg had a nightmare when he dropped the ball over the tryline – a score which would probably have won Scotland the game.

In the final match of the Autumn Nations Cup, Ireland dominated Scotland to win by a comfortable margin – both of these matches being played in Dublin.

Before that, the Scots were humbled in the opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

This time, Scotland play the Irish at home, and they have to make that count.

Yet Scottish teams seem to have a bit of a psychological block when playing against Irish sides.

Edinburgh have lost all of their games against Irish opposition this season, with a couple of serious thumpings from Ulster and Leinster along the way.

Glasgow have fared little better, conceding 40 points to the same opposition in Pro14 matches.

Of course, this is international rugby, but the mental advantage

‘ Scottish teams seem to have a mental block against the Irish

that the Irish will hold over Scotland cannot be discounted.

They will see the Scots as relatively soft opposition, as a game that they should win, possibly quite comfortably if things go to plan. So confidence will be high.

This should be a great source of motivation to the home team, who have an opportunity to set the record straight.

It should rankle that Scotland have given up a golden opportunity for a Triple Crown already after their defeat to Wales.

Despite Zander Fagerson’s dismissal, it was a game to be won and Scotland coughed up a 14-point advantage – unforgiveable in international rugby.

And the Scottish discipline, which was so good against England at Twickenham, was very poor against thewelsh.

So there is much still to put right, and Stuart Hogg’s men will be hungry to get their season re-started with an impressive performance.

They have to match the Irish abrasiveness up front and bring some of their much improved defensive work to bear.

Above all, they must keep the scoreboard ticking over, turning territorial pressure into points.

They cannot afford to go into the final quarter of the game with the match in the balance, as Ireland will believe they can win – and their players know that beating Scottish teams has become a habit.

So with a strong start and a disciplined performance, Scotland can get some vengeance for a litany of past defeats.

A win would set up a great finale to the Championship.

Steven Gerrard and James Taver nier have urged Rangers fans to stay away from Celtic Park next Sunday.

The Old Firm derby remains under threat of postponement should the Scottish Government receive intelligence of planned gatherings.

There have been fears the regulationbreaching scenes witnessed last Sunday after the Light Blues clinched the title for the first time in 10 years could be repeated outside their rival’s ground, and in Glasgow’s city centre, as part of a continued celebration.

How e v e r, while stressing how much they would love the fans to be with them at games, the Light Blues manager and captain have both reiterated the need to stay home to support the NHS.

In an open letter to the Ibrox fans, Gerrard said:“the best place you can support my players and I this Sunday is from the comfort of your own home.”