POLICE in Ireland says they are "totally prepared" for the arrival of the Tartan Army for the football match in Dublin between the two countries.
Scotland take on Ireland tonight in a vital European Championship qualification match, and thousands of fans have been arriving in the capital since yesterday.
A spokesman for An Garda SÃochána, Ireland's national police service, said that they were not expecting any trouble and that Scots would be given a "warm welcome" in the city and at the Aviva Stadium.
However, a plan has been put in place to manage the large influx of supporters.
The spokesman said: "We are expecting a good number of Scottish fans, and a large-scale plan will be put in place to deal with that.
"But we are not expecting any disorder and hope that the match will pass off peacefully like the recent friendly game against England.
"The Scots will be made very welcome in Dublin."
He added that no matters relating to the match had been reported as of last night.
The hand of friendship was extended to members of the Tartan Army by Dublin's side St Patrick's Athletic, with fans wearing kilts let in for free to Friday night's SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match against Limerick. In keeping with the Scottish theme, the club shop was also selling shortbread biscuits and Irn Bru.
The travelling Tartan Army have also been promised a warm welcome at The Harbour Bar run by Teresa Tuite. The pub has been decked out in Saltires and Tricolours to celebrate the city's biggest match in years.
For more than two decades, Ms Tuite served up pints in the hospitality area of the Guinness Brewery and pulled a ceremonial pint for American President Bill Clinton when he visited the city in 2000.
Ms Tuite, 67, said:"We love it when the Scots come here, whether it's for the footie or rugby.
"We've prepared a pile of lovely Guinness steak pies for the lads. And we know - like the Irish - they are always ready for a sing-song."
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