Tensions rise ahead of Ireland's trip to Glasgow

Gordon Strachan knows this is a huge game for his side

With the clock ticking down towards the eagerly awaited meeting of Scotland and the Republic of Ireland on Friday, tensions are rising. Alex Johnson looks at the big match build-up.

Former Scotland international Gordon McQueen irked the Irish camp when he said on Monday he hopes Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy receive a "horrible reception" at Celtic Park.

Both players were born in Glasgow but opted to represent the country of their grandparents instead.

Shay Given has weighed in behind his Irish team mates, the goalkeeper insisting McQueen's comments were ill thought.

"You could go around every country in Europe and say there are players born in different countries who are playing for them, so I did think it was unfair," Given said.

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Given went on to hint that McQueen and Scotland may be suffering from jealousy that both players will be wearing green, instead of blue, on Friday.

With Hampden Park still out of commission after the Commonwealth Games, Scotland are on the road for their Euro 2016 qualifiers and Celtic Park is seen as the perfect venue for what has turned into a crucial encounter.

Germany remain heavy favourites to win Group D but the World Champions have managed only one win from three games so far. Poland and Ireland lead the way on seven points with Scotland alongside the Germans three points adrift.

Gordon Strachan's side know that a home win over Ireland would give them a great chance to reach their first major tournament since France '98.

Strachan has generated new belief in Scotland and his side recorded a win over Georgia and a valuable 2-2 draw in Warsaw last month.

John O'Shea's late equaliser in Gelsenkirchen stunned the World Champions as Ireland added to victories over Georgia and Gibraltar.

Ireland boss Martin O'Neill will join McGeady in returning to the home of former club Celtic for what looks like one of the most intriguing of this weekend's internationals.

Given is anticipating a red hot atmosphere in the East End of Glasgow but he has urged McGeady and McCarthy to maintain their focus on the job in hand.

"The atmosphere will be spicy and they will maybe get a bit of a reaction from the fans, but it's what we do on the pitch that matters and I am sure they are well aware of that," he added.

With the expanded Euro 2016 Finals meaning third place in qualifying is now guaranteed at least a play-off both countries know the stakes are high for this derby clash.