SCOTLAND HAVE NOT come to Dublin in search of a draw, according to manager Gordon Strachan.
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The Scots, currently third in Group D and level on points with Germany after five Euro 2016 qualifiers played, will retain at least a two-point advantage over Ireland if they avoid defeat at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
There is feel good factor around the squad at the moment but the former Celtic, Southampton and Coventry boss is experienced enough to know that mood could change very swiftly with a couple of bad results.
“I can’t remember any manager telling me that this is the way you play for a draw,” Strachan said in his pre-match press conference. “I don’t think I have tried it myself. We will try to win and see what happens after that. Would I take a draw?”
“You never know what points total you have to achieve. All we know is that because of the performances of the two squads over last 6 months or a year, we will have an occasion.
It was an occasion at Celtic Park when we were overjoyed. We were the fortunate ones that day because we were the ones who won. Supporters will be looking at that game and saying if we get that again, we’ll be happy with that.
“We’re feeling good to a certain point but we’re always wary that that can go and you need to keep working,” he added. “It’s the same with the other side, they have had a terrific year themselves so they can be proud with that they’ve done, the way they’ve dug out results.
“Because of that, you’ve got two sets of supporters expecting to win.”
Strachan: This is sure to be a special occasion but we've come here to win
Updated at 15.25
SCOTLAND HAVE NOT come to Dublin in search of a draw, according to manager Gordon Strachan.
The Scots, currently third in Group D and level on points with Germany after five Euro 2016 qualifiers played, will retain at least a two-point advantage over Ireland if they avoid defeat at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
There is feel good factor around the squad at the moment but the former Celtic, Southampton and Coventry boss is experienced enough to know that mood could change very swiftly with a couple of bad results.
“I can’t remember any manager telling me that this is the way you play for a draw,” Strachan said in his pre-match press conference. “I don’t think I have tried it myself. We will try to win and see what happens after that. Would I take a draw?”
“You never know what points total you have to achieve. All we know is that because of the performances of the two squads over last 6 months or a year, we will have an occasion.
“We’re feeling good to a certain point but we’re always wary that that can go and you need to keep working,” he added. “It’s the same with the other side, they have had a terrific year themselves so they can be proud with that they’ve done, the way they’ve dug out results.
“Because of that, you’ve got two sets of supporters expecting to win.”
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Away Days Draw Euro 2016 qualifier Gordon Strachan Ireland Republic Scotland