Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane admits Scotland pose a huge threat to his country’s chances of reaching Euro 2016.
On the back of beating Georgia in their opening Group D qualifying clash last month, the Irish host Gibraltar on Saturday before taking on world champions Germany three days later.
With the Germans favourites to top the section, the likes of Ireland, Scotland and Poland might have to settle for a runners-up spot to clinch a place at the finals in France.
And former Celtic midfielder Keane, whose updated autobiography has caused headlines this week ahead of its official release today, insists the group could not get any harder.
He said: “It’s one of the toughest groups out there, that’s why the win (over Georgia) was so important.
“But when you look at the other teams in the group, Germany obviously being red-hot favourites, Poland, Scotland – it’s going to be a tight group.
“Everyone expects Germany to win it, but Poland and Scotland are on good form so it’s going to be really interesting and really tough. It’s where you want to be.”
Keane, who watched Aiden McGeady score a brilliant brace in the 2-1 win over Georgia, added: “We knew Georgia, particularly at home, would be full of energy, belief and spirit – we had to deal with all that.
“I think we just about deserved it, obviously it took something special.”
With Keane anticipating that there will be very little between the countries, the decorated former Manchester United midfielder admits Ireland have to make the most of home advantage.
Speaking to the Football Association of Ireland, Keane, who was brought to Celtic by current Scotland manager Gordon Strachan added: “The Aviva is a nice set-up and a big pitch but you look at the record over the last few years and it seems teams have come and enjoyed themselves.
“We have to put a stop to that.
“You can’t expect the fans to automatically get behind the team. You hope they do but we also need the players to go out and perform.”