European Qualifiers: Gordon Strachan insists Scotland can handle the rise in expectations

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan insists his squad can handle the increasing levels of confidence among fans as he prepares for Friday’s clash with Republic of Ireland.

The teams clash at Celtic Park with the outcome of the Group D encounter having a huge bearing on qualification for the 2016 European Championships in France. 

And former Celtic boss Strachan is relishing the visit of Martin O'Neill's side and next week's friendly against England.

“I’m looking forward to it," he said. "I think everybody’s looking forward to it. The fans, the media, everything has built up over the last couple of weeks, from emphasis about six months ago on England it’s all been shifted onto this game because of the performances of both countries.

Enjoy

“The expectations now of supporters, players, media alike, it’s become a hot game. I’ve enjoyed the build up, I always enjoy the build up with the players, they are terrific to work with.

"I ask them to put in a certain amount of work and they do it without complaint, and it’s good watching good players training, so it’s a bonus for me.”

Strachan, who won three successive titles during his four years in charge of Celtic, is confident his players will rise to the occasion, and has no worries over them struggling to handle the atmosphere at Celtic Park.

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He is convinced the recent 1-0 victory over Georgia at Ibrox will stand his players in good stead for the fourth game in the group, as Scotland look to build on their 2-2 draw away to group leaders Poland in their last match.

“We can have the players organised in a way that they trust each other. They know what they’ve got to do. I think that’s the best way to handle big games,” he added.

“The atmosphere is not going to be a problem for the players on both sides. I think it will inspire us. So there’s nothing really you can tell people, I think they have an idea of what’s coming.

"We had a lovely taste of it at Ibrox recently. The atmosphere was great there as well, and I thought the Scottish fans turned Ibrox into the home of Scotland for the day and we will do that tomorrow. We will turn Celtic Park into the home of Scottish football, and you’ll know fine well you are in Scotland tomorrow night, that’s for sure.

Performances

“You can only ask the players to perform. We have done that in three games. Whether we think the points we have collected from these performances are right or wrong it doesn’t matter. 

“I know how we’re going to try and play on Friday. There are a couple of systems we use. I’m clear in my mind since Sunday. Obviously in the past couple of days we’ve had a few knocks here and there and you obviously put your thinking cap on just in case, but I’ve got a clear idea what we’re doing and so do the players.”

And skipper Scott Brown says he is relishing the double header but insists the emphasis is clearly on the visit of the Republic of Ireland where vital qualifying points are on offer.

"It’s a huge game and everyone knows it’s going to be a great occasion, one which we are all looking forward to," he said.

"In that dressing room that’s all the lads have been speaking about and we can’t wait. I can’t remember a bigger international game. These two games that are coming up are huge for us, especially the first game with Ireland it’s going to mean so much a lot of people.”

And Brown agrees with manager Strachan who suggested a win can come from anywhere with the group so tight, despite the presence of world champions Germany.

“I agree with him there. You’ve seen results – Poland beating Germany and Ireland drawing with Germany as well. It’s definitely going to go all the way. It’s a hard group, probably the hardest group in the competition, so there’s a lot to play for still,” added the Celtic captain.

Watch Scotland take on the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park this Friday from 7.30pm live on Sky Sports 5