Scotland vs Republic of Ireland

Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland side will return to action this week when they travel the short distance across the Irish Sea to take on Scotland.

It’s Irelands first fixture since the summer internationals, with all the latest updates, news and live scores available via the Flashscore website or app.

After a rocky start to life as manager, Kenny’s fortunes as Ireland boss appear to have turned, with the Boys in Green entering this weekend’s international break having lost just two of their last 12 outings.

Granted, those 12 matches do stretch across three different competitions, including non-competitive friendlies, but it also represents an improved record for Kenny and co.

Amongst that run of games, half of those were victories for Ireland, including a 3-0 triumph over Scotland in the last international break.

That match came off the back of Scotland’s exit from the World Cup playoffs, with a much-changed side being swept away at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland followed up the victory over Scotland with an impressive 1-1 draw against Ukraine – another side who suffered World Cup playoff heartbreak in the last international break.

It leaves Kenny’s side in with a shot of avoiding relegation from the UEFA Nations League B pool, as they currently sit in third, one point above bottom-placed Armenia, with two matches remaining.

Should Ukraine take points off Armenia this week, Ireland can be assured of a place in League B with a victory over Scotland.

Despite a comfortable victory over Scotland last time around, Ireland enter the international break below their opponents in the table.

Still holding hopes of promotion to League A, Scotland will be looking to avenge June’s defeat against Ireland when the two reconvene at Hampden Park on Saturday.

However, Scotland were dealt a major blow ahead of the international break when captain Andy Robertson wasn’t named in the squad due to injury.

They should still be able to field an adequate replacement in Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, but without Robertson, the Scotland side is significantly weakened.

As for Ireland, they will welcome back Gavin Bazunu, who was absent from the June camp, but this time will be without Caoimhin Kelleher, who is missing with injury.

The surprise name in the 24-man squad was Robbie Brady, who last pulled an Ireland shirt of 18 months ago, yet is welcomed back to the set-up following a strong start to life with Preston North End.

Elsewhere, Andrew Omobamidele is ruled out of the squad, whereas Aaron Connolly misses out on a place in the squad, instead being picked for Ireland’s under-21s ahead of their crucial European Championship playoff against Israel.