With just one game left to qualify for Euro 2102, both the Republic of Ireland and Scotland will be without key players as they battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Talismanic front man Robbie Keane has been ruled out of Ireland’s crucial qualifier with surprise package Armenia on Tuesday. Keane, who has recently swapped Spurs for LA Galaxy, damaged adductor muscles in ROI’s win over European whipping boys Andorra on Friday.
Keane will likely be replaced with either West Brom’s hotshot Shane Long or his fellow Baggie, Simon Cox.
The Irish need just a draw to guarantee a play off place but a win for Tuesday’s visitors, Armenia, will see them jump above Trapattoni’s men and snatch the play off place from the Irish.
As for the Scottish, boss Craig Levein has refused to rule any of his squad out for Tuesday’s clash with world champions, Spain.
Striker Kenny Miller is the major doubt with a groin injury. Meanwhile, fellow striker and scorer of the lone goal that saw off Lithunia on Saturday, Craig Mackail-Smith is struggling with a back complaint. Concerns still surround captain’s Darren Fletcher’s fitness as the Manchester United midfilder battles a ankle injury. To add further worries, Aston Villa’s Barry Bannan is also a doubt after having a cut on his achilles glued back together.
A win against argubally the greatest international team of all time will see the Scottish secure Group I’s qualifer place. A tall order. Failer to beat the Spainiards will result will leave the Scots hoping that the inconsistent Czech Republic slip up against Lithuania in Vilnius.
What ever Tuesday night holds, for the Irish and Scottish fans its going to be a rollercoaster of a night.
