Scotland v Rep. of Ireland: Gordon Smith’s verdict

Scotland must speculate to accumulate for the visit of the Republic.

Home ties can be treacherous affairs. The onus is on you to be adventurous and creative in pursuit of the points. Yet at the same time, it is crucial to remain vigilant and focused to guard against counter attacks.

Get the balance wrong and you can be sunk almost before you are started.

My idea of the best way to achieve both these aims would be to field a 4-5-1 formation, which switches to 4-3-3 when we have the ball. I would have Charlie Mulgrew, Scott Brown and James Morrison protect the back four when the Irish are on the front foot.

Then, when the opportunity allows, I would detail Morrison to push forward and lend support to the attacking trio of Shaun Maloney (right), Ikechi Anya (left) and Steven Fletcher (centre).

Sharp-eyed readers will notice I haven’t mentioned Steven Naismith.

It is a tough one because he is a good player, who has been on good form for club and country. But I would have him on the bench for this one, to be used as an impact substitute should the need arise.

Gordon Greer, impressive in Poland, would likewise have to miss out with the defensive duties going to Steven Whittaker (on the right to cover for the injured Alan Hutton), Andrew Robertson, Grant Hanley and Russell Martin.

The pace and athleticism of Whittaker and Robertson on the flanks is a real attacking option, while the understanding of Hanley and Martin can help nullify the main threat to us which will come from Robbie Keane.

I’d tell the players to be sure to leave as little space between the separate units of defence, midfield and attack so no-one gets isolated. Above all, though, I would say be positive because the points are there for the taking and we have the players to take them.

IS THIS GORDON STRACHAN’S BIGGEST TEST TO DATE?

Yes. Discount the six World Cup qualifiers played under his charge. That campaign was already doomed. Poland away last month was an important night, but this game at home against an opponent whose playing style should suit is crucial.

WHAT ARE THE THREATS THAT THE REPUBLIC WILL POSE?

Cap centurian John O’Shea was the man who netted the Republic’s equaliser against the Germany, but the Scotland coaches will warn against more obvious dangers. Robbie Keane, who Strachan acknowledges as being more technically-gifted than anyone in his own squad, needs no introduction to anyone at Celtic Park.

Defenders, though, will also need to be wary of the muscular presence of Stoke City’s Jon Walters, a man who will hope the fact he shares a birthday with Henrik Larsson proves auspicious. James McLean, a Wigan club-mate of Shaun Maloney, is liable to prove hard to stop from out wide from where he is capable of providing decent delivery.

WOULD DEFEAT DE-RAIL ALL THAT STRACHAN HAS ACHIEVED TO DATE?

No, but it would leave third place and a play-off as the only realistically viable route to the Finals. In addition, it would leave the national coach having to convince the public, the Press and most importantly the players that, with just four points from four games, it can still be achieved. The squad is arguably the strongest the country has had in a generation, but momentum is required if it is to achieve its potential.

IS AIDEN McGEADY NOW A BETTER PLAYER THAN WHEN HE WAS A REGULAR AT CELTIC PARK?

Yes and no. When McGeady left Celtic Park in the summer 2010, he was 24 years old and had nearly 200 first-team appearances to his credit. Since then he has added experience of playing in the English Premier League and, with 71 caps to his credit, can claim to be a senior internationalist. But he continues to frustrate.

Republic boss Martin O’Neill himself has complained that, while the player has the X-Factor, he is can be guilty of making bad decisions that cost his teams. As much as his recent brace against Georgia pointed up his goal threat, the fact McGeady had only scored just three for his country prior to that is significant.

THERE’S TALK OF CELTIC PARK BEING A BETTER VENUE FOR THE REPUBLIC THAN HAMPDEN. THAT’S BLARNEY, SURELY?

Certainly. Just as Martin O’Neill, Aiden McGeady and the Keanes Roy and Robbie will feel comfortable in the surroundings, so too will plenty of the Scottish group. Coaches Gordon Strachan and Mark McGhee, along with players David Marshall, Craig Gordon, Scott Brown, Charlie Mulgrew and Shaun Maloney, will all have no problem finding their way around. It is a ground which provides a great atmosphere, something the Tartan Army will be sure to take advantage of.

WILL CRAIG GORDON BE RECALLED AT THE EXPENSE OF DAVID MARSHALL?

Very unlikely. While Gordon Strachan sets great store in recent form including even squad training sessions in the run-up to games he also remains loyal to the players who have turned in big performances in the past.

The selection of Marshall, now playing in the English Championship, over Allan McGregor, an English Premier regular, to face world champions Germany at a time when both men were fit was a huge vote of confidence. Gordon may yet go on to grab the jersey, but even he himself admits that is likely to be in the future.

GORDON GREER APPEARED TO ADD A BIT OF SOLIDITY TO THE CENTRAL DEFENCE IN POLAND. WILL HE KEEP HIS PLACE?

The decision whether to opt for the physicality of Greer over the savvy of Russell Martin is likely to be key for Scotland. Strachan is known to be very comfortable with the pairing of the experienced and streetwise Martin alongside the youthful potential of Grant Hanley. But Norwich City’s recent slump, including last Tuesday’s 4-0 hammering at Middlesbrough in which Martin conceded a penalty, will be a concern.

THE SQUAD SEEMS LIGHT ON FIREPOWER. WHO’S GOING TO SCORE THE GOALS?

Steven Fletcher. The 27-year-old has had his problems with injury, but advertised his current well-being with two well-taken goals for Sunderland last week. At international level, he has been sharp too, playing a key role in goals scored against Germany (Ikechi Anya) and Poland (Shaun Maloney).

PREDICTION?

For me, it has to be a 2-1 home victory.