INTERNATIONAL friendlies are rarely hotbeds of tension and aggression and given the bigger, or at least more significant, fish to fry for both teams in the coming days, Hampden is unlikely to be the exception to the rule.

The build-up has been more akin to that of a high-school reunion than a midweek tune-up.

Yesterday Michael O'Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, reminisced about his days in close proximity to tonight's counterpart Gordon Strachan. The 45-year-old former Dundee United and Hibernian midfielder spent two largely injury-affected years at Coventry City, just as Gordon Strachan, his Scotland counterpart, was cutting his managerial teeth - and still playing - at the Premier League club.

"It was fairly evident what type of manager Gordon was going to be," commented O'Neill. "He had the ability to motivate, invigorate players in terms of his training. At that time he was still playing as well and it's always a concern when the manager is a better player than you are! So, that was difficult to deal with, but other than that it was fine.

"I was a bit unfortunate with injury at Coventry, but it was a really good two years. I know how Gordon works, I know how players respond to him and he knows how to get players to respond, so it doesn't surprise me how he's done. He was a great appointment because I think at that time it was probably what the national team here needed."

Whilst Scotland will use tonight's meeting to prepare for the visit of Gibraltar on Sunday, the Irish, who currently sit second in Group F after three wins and a defeat, have an altogether different task on the horizon as they get ready to host Mixu Paatelainen's Finland. Ultimately, however, both are chasing the dream of qualification for a major tournament for the first time in decades - Scotland since 1998 and Northern Ireland since 1986 - an achievement that would thrill O'Neill, who has played, managed and lived in Scotland for much of his life.

"I kind of know what it would mean for Scotland to qualify," added O'Neill. "We've been nearly 30 years away from a major tournament, Scotland haven't had that to deal with. But, having seen where the Scottish Premiership is at the moment, qualification for a major finals would be another boost to the Scottish game. It would be great, I'd love to see Scotland make that. I played under Gordon and I know Gordon well, and it would be a great achievement if he took Scotland to a major finals."

Tonight's encounter is filled with the memories of old alliances. Despite the acrimonious nature of his eventual split, Steven Davis insists the positives of his near five seasons at Rangers far outweigh the negatives, and it is a feeling replicated now when he considers the new regime leading his former club on and off the pitch.

Davis stirred a sense of resentment amongst some Rangers supporters with the manner in which he left Ibrox in the summer of 2012, just 12 months on from inking a new five-year contract. Rejecting the opportunity to remain in Govan following the club's insolvency remains an 'impossible subject' to address nearly three years on, according to the Northern Ireland skipper.

However, contemplating a return to Hampden, the scene of five cup final triumphs with Rangers, for tonight's friendly against Scotland, the 30-year-old Southampton midfielder was more willing yesterday to ponder current affairs at the Light Blues, where he senses Stuart McCall can spark an upturn in fortunes.

"I think it's positive for the club," he responded when asked about the recent regime change. "For any fan, it's nice to see people who have the best interests of the club at heart. We knew it was going to be a difficult period but nobody could have foreseen how hard it was going to be. But I think Stuart McCall is going to be a good appointment. It was great to see him get that first win on Sunday (against Hibernian) and hopefully Rangers can build on that now and get even stronger."

Having been reluctant to discuss his departure from the club, Davis was surprisingly more inclined to be drawn into ruminating a return at some point in the future. "In football you never know," he added. "I had four and a half really good years there. I loved my time there. If the opportunity arose then it would be something I would have to consider. It's a club I look back on fondly, it was a great time in my career."