CHARLIE Mulgrew has targeted a place in the Scotland starting line-up for the Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next month after making his return from a five month lay-off.

Mulgrew, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since December, came on in the second half of Celtic's SPFL Premiership match against St Johnstone in McDiarmid Park on Friday night.

The 29-year-old has insisted he will, despite his lack of recent competitive action, be able to play for Gordon Strachan's side in the Group D match against Martin O'Neill's team in the Aviva Stadium on June 13.

The return of the 16-times capped internationalist - who was, when fit, a first choice central midfielder alongside his Celtic team-mate Scott Brown in the 4-2-3-1 formation usually favoured by Strachan - will give the manager another option.

Mulgrew produced arguably his finest performance for Scotland in the 1-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park in November and was named man of the match.

Strachan, who has played James Morrison of West Brom in the middle of the park with great success against Georgia, Poland and Gibraltar, names his squad for the games against Qatar and the Republic of Ireland tomorrow at Hampden.

Asked if he could be involved against the Republic after such a long spell on the sidelines, Mulgrew said: "I'm desperate to. That's why I'm hoping I can be involved in the last couple of games with Celtic, to push myself forward for that.

"I'm delighted to be back in the Celtic squad and hopefully he [Strachan] can pick me for the Scotland squad. I think I will be mentally fresher than a lot of players who are kind of winding down."

Mulgrew believes the friendly international against Qatar at Easter Road on Friday, June 5, will give him the opportunity to convince Strachan he merits inclusion in his side eight days later.

"That would be a good place to show I'm fit and ready," he said. "So hopefully I get the call-up and I can get more match sharpness."