Scotland can finish third in Group D of the European Qualifiers, says Andy Walker

Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker believes Scotland are still well placed to progress to Euro 2016 in France next summer.

Scotland have not qualified for a major competition since the 1998 World Cup, which was also held in France, and have dropped into fourth place in Group D after losing 1-0 in Georgia last Friday.

Republic of Ireland are currently in third behind Poland and group leaders Germany, who won 3-2 at Hampden on Monday night.

Despite the reverse to the world champions, Walker is optimistic Gordon Strachan's side can secure a play-off spot with victory over Poland and Gibraltar.

"Not a lot went wrong last night," Walker said. "I don't think it's ever a disgrace to lose to Germany, and I thought some of the stuff that the world champions played in Glasgow last night was a joy to watch.

If we beat Poland and Gibraltar and Ireland don't beat Germany, then because Poland and Ireland play in the last game we'll be guaranteed a playoff spot

"I think we're all still slightly baffled by how we performed against Georgia on Friday night. That came as a big surprise and was a shock to us all.

"There is still a good chance to get that play-off spot. If we beat Poland and Gibraltar and Ireland don't beat Germany, then because Poland and Ireland play in the last game we'll be guaranteed a play-off spot.

"But I absolutely recognise how difficult it's going to be to play at home against Poland. I watched their game against Germany the other night, and even although they lost 3-1 I thought some of their play was terrific, so it's going to be a huge task to try and beat Poland at Hampden.

"I think given the circumstances it's one that we are capable of. It's a given that we'll get three points in our last tie against Gibraltar."

Euro 2016 Qualifiers

Although Scotland scored twice against the world champions, goals have been difficult to come by for the national team for some time.

Strachan has persisted with the experienced Steven Fletcher leading the line and Walker reckons his worth to the team is vital with assists for the likes of Ikechi Anya, although the goals have not been flowing for the Sunderland striker.

Walker said: "His preferred striker is clearly Steven Fletcher. He's got a lovely touch, he brings people into play, he's not prolific. You can go back a number of years with Scotland strikers, we tend not to score a lot of goals. We haven't qualified for a major tournament in a long time, but I think out of what we've got I understand Gordon playing Steven Fletcher, and some of his touches last night were again pretty good.

"Some of the best play we've had in this qualifying campaign, the goals that we've scored, Steven Fletcher was crucial in setting up Ikechi Anya for a goal away against Germany and the one we got away against Poland. He got a hat-trick against Gibraltar of course. But we need players in form next month against Poland at Hampden so I don't know whether that will change Gordon's thinking but we have to try and put pressure on Ireland and the only way we can do that is by coming up with a big result against Poland and beating them.

"I don't think the formation will change. Gordon's set up has pretty much served us well. We were on our knees remember, and he did give us all a bit of hope that we could go into this campaign and compete with the likes of Germany, Poland and Ireland, all decent sides.

"It's come right down to the wire now and I think we would prefer to be in Ireland's position because it's in their hands, but you've got to remember it's going to be really difficult for Ireland to get any point against Germany and Poland, so the best we can hope for is to come up with a big performance that we're capable of, something along the lines of last night where we scored two goals against the world champions.

"If we can do the same against Poland and get three points there all the pressure goes back on to Ireland, and as long as we get six points and Ireland don't beat Germany we'll be guaranteed a play-off spot, and we would take that right now."