Scotland face Republic of Ireland in Euro qualifier

Scotland could make history by reaching the European Championship finals in France next year.

They have not qualified for the finals of a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup, also held in France.

However, at the halfway stage of their Group D qualification campaign the signs are looking good for Gordon Strachan's men.

Scotland are two points ahead of fourth-placed Republic of Ireland, whom they face in Dublin on Saturday night, level with Germany and one point behind leaders Poland.

Speaking before training at the Aviva Stadium, where Scotland hope to do the double over the Irish following the 1-0 win at Celtic Park in November, Captain Scott Brown was asked what it would mean to complete the job and end the long wait for qualification.

He says: 'It would mean a lot for every single Scotland fan, myself and everyone in that dressing room. Everyone keeps telling us the last time we qualified was in France 1998. We want to put our stamp on the country and show how much we have improved. But I don't think all the pressure is on the Irish. There isn't much between the teams. We have good players and work hard. There isn't much in it. It's about who wants it more on the day.'