Alan Hutton believes all the pressure is on the Irish in tonight’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin.
Should Scotland beat the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium then they will move five points clear of Martin O’Neill’s side in Group D with just four games to go.
That becomes three games worth serious consideration if you assume both the Scots and Irish will beat minnows Gibraltar.
That would leave the home team trailing in Scotland’s wake and arguably put them out of contention for the finals in France next summer.
So when the men in green walk out in front of a packed and partisan crowd this evening Hutton thinks they will feel the heat.
“I would say there is probably more pressure on them than us,” said the Aston Villa defender.
“They are at home and will be expected to come out and play well and beat us.
“A lot of the pressure will be on them to do that.
“If we stick to our own game and play as we have been for the last while, I think we can cause them a lot of problems.
“Were we to win then it would be tough for them.
“I know there are a lot of games still to be played and I would never say never but the points (difference) would be difficult to make up.
“So we know what is at stake and we want to do well.
“A lot of the boys play against each other and you want the bragging rights.
“This game will be no different. It won’t be anything over the top we just want to win.”
Hutton played for Villa in the FA Cup final against Arsenal just a fortnight ago, finishing on the losing side to the Gunners.
Despite the 4-0 defeat it was still a big deal for Hutton to be involved in such an auspicious occasion at Wembley.
Tonight’s game, though, looks like it will trump it.
Asked where the Dublin clash will rank in his career thus far, he replied: “It’ll definitely be up there.
“It is one of the biggest games, with everything so tight in the group with the chance of qualifying.
“It’s going to be a massive occasion.
“I imagine the atmosphere will be great and it’s a good rivalry as well, so it’ll definitely be up there.
“It does feel different from the cup final.
“I can’t quite put my finger on it but there is certainly a little bit extra when it comes to the rivalry at international level.
“It was something special to be part of the FA Cup final but going into a game such as that Villa were massive underdogs.
“That meant there was a different kind of build-up, a different way of looking at things.
“It was about how we needed to stop Arsenal.
“But in a game like this we are very similar in terms of squads and players, so it’s more evenly balanced which makes it more intense.”
Hutton, like the rest of the Scotland defence, will be keeping a close eye on Irish talisman Robbie Keane this evening.
He knows what to expect from the veteran frontman, having played with Keane at Tottenham.
Hutton said: “Robbie is a fantastic player and he is up there as one of the best I’ve played with.
“You know what you are getting with him and he has had a great goalscoring career.”
Hutton was allowed to report to Scotland’s Mar Hall training camp later than most of the other squad memebers because of his involvement in the FA Cup final.
However, he believes he is bang up to pace and ready to give his all for Scotland tonight.
“I feel fine – there’s no problem with me,” he said.
“I know we had a friendly against Qatar last week that I didn’t make but I have trained this week.
“Some of the boys finished their seasons very early so they had a hard week’s training and a game which was good for them.
“As far as my fitness is concerned I feel fine and, looking forward to the game, the build-up has been perfect for me.”