By Alan Duffy
Scotland came from a goal down to secure a precious point against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Martin O’Neill’s men started brightly, with Seamus Coleman a constant threat down the Irish right flank.
Daryl Murphy went close on 38 minutes as the hosts pushed for the opener.
The (deserved) goal came soon after, with Jonathan Walters netting from close-range after another effort from Murphy. Although the goal should really have been chalked off, with the Stoke man in an offside position.
With the Irish a goal up, even assistant manager Roy Keane wanted to come on and get a piece of the action…
After the break, the Scots drew level, when John O’Shea deflected a Shaun Maloney effort past Shay Given.
Ikechi Anya’s cross forced Given into a save as the tension rose at the Aviva.
However, there would be no more goals as Gordon Strachan’s men hung on for a hard-fought and highly valuable point.
The Scots now find themselves third in group D, three points behind leaders Poland. As for the Irish, they remain in fourth, two points behind the Scots.
Highlights…
Photos: Getty Images
Highlights: Footytube
Vine: Andrew Leeman