Celtic clash shall shape Scotland’s destiny in Euro 2016 qualifiers

Sticking to the theme of doubles and being born in a different country, Londonderry-born James McClean netted twice for the Republic’s last outing in the British Isles, so he is an 11/2 anytime scorer chance.

For Scotland, Strachan has added Rangers winger Lewis Macleod to his options, with a current paucity in wide areas.

While senior debuts looks unlikely for both him and Derby County inclusion Johnny Russell, because of the recent form of Ikechi Anya and Shaun Maloney, Steven Naismith should continue in attack.

Both Maloney (7/2) and Naismith (7/4) were on target last time out in an entertaining away draw in Poland. Steven Fletcher should lead the line again, following four Premier League goals in the last five for club side Sunderland, and is 6/4 to carry that form over to international duty.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy thinks Fletcher, who he coached when in charge of Wolves, is the main Scottish threat. “Fletch and Steven Naismith are playing well,” he said.

“When I was asked about Fletch by other managers, I said he could play in the top four teams in England. He’s still a young man and should be at his peak.

“I don’t see him that much now, but I saw his goals recently against Crystal Palace. His header for the first was fantastic and his second finish was that of a cold, calculated predator.”

Everton forward Naismith, meanwhile, is also available in an enhanced 9/2 wincast. Punters can stake a maximum of £20 on him scoring anytime and Scotland winning.

A score draw will keep both Ireland (11/10) and Scotland (13/10) in the hunt to reach the France finals. Backing their Celtic clash to end 1-1 is a sumptuous 6/1 shot, and there are enough indicators above to suggest that honours will finish even.