There will be a lot at stake when Scotland and Republic of Ireland square off at Celtic Park in Glasgow on Friday, with both sides determined to build on the promising start to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

The Scots have made tremendous progress under Gordon Strachan and they finally seem to have a realistic chance of qualifying for a major tournament despite being placed into a pretty difficult group.

Scotland largely impressed in their opening qualifier against World Cup holders Germany, even if they eventually had to settle for a 2-1 loss.

The hard-fought home win over Georgia ensured the team stayed on course before the Scots played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Poland.

They currently sit three points behind second-placed Ireland, but with their next opponents taking advantage of a favourable fixture list, you should know home win pays 2.38 (11/8).

Callum Paterson and Johnny Russell have been drafted into the squad to replace Phil Bardsley and Craig Bryson, but there have been no other worries for boss Gordon Strachan.

With that in mind, the boss is widely expected to field a similar side to that which earned a 2-2 draw against Poland in October.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Marshall – Hutton, Martin, Hanley, Whittaker – Maloney, Morrison, Brown, Anya – Fletcher, Naismith.

Similar to their next opponents, Republic of Ireland had a dream start to the new qualifying campaign, taking seven points from first three fixtures.

And while the big win over minnows Gibraltar was hardly surprising, the Irish did really well to come from a goal behind to defeat Georgia away before scoring a last-gasp equalizer away to Germany.

But, given the circumstances, Martin O’Neill’s side will have to continue in the same manner if they are to stand any chance of reaching the tournament finals.

The Irish face serious selection problems ahead of the Scotland game, but they can still be backed at 3.30 (23/10) to emerge victorious.

Glenn Whelan has been a surprise inclusion having quickly recovered from a leg fracture, but James McCarthy is doubtful through a hamstring problem.

Kevin Doyle was forced to withdraw, while Stoke defender Marc Wilson was ruled out after failing to recover from a groin injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Forde – Coleman, O’Shea, Clark, Ward – McGeady, McCarthy, Quinn, McClean – Walters, Keane.