Scotland will play on the counter in Dublin knowing a draw is no disaster

We were chasing things a bit at the start of the group because of the good starts that Ireland and Poland had made but we've handled the pressure well and got positive results in the games that mattered. Beating the Republic at Celtic Park in November was significant as it changed the focus of the group. Now Ireland are in the position that we were in at the start of the group where they now really have to win this weekend. If they don't, then it won't entirely rule them out of things but it will put a heavy dent in their chances. And now it is us who can afford a draw whereas Ireland probably can't. We've worked hard to get ourselves into this position and that's all credit to Gordon and his squad.

I don't see Gordon changing too much how he sets up his team. It will be the same system that he prefers but you can sit deeper or play more defensive-type players in the wide areas. Or you play three centrally who are really solid and keep the pace and creativity beyond that. Ireland will put us under a lot of pressure but that gives Scotland the option to sit and counter. You can still be an attacking threat but it's just about picking your moments to go forward using pace and quick passing.

This is a match where Ikechi Anya could be key. We saw with the goal that he scored in Germany the qualities he has and he could prove a really useful out ball if Scotland have to soak up a bit of pressure. There's no way we're going to go there and press Ireland high up the park and leave space in the pockets between midfield and defence. We saw the way Motherwell played in the first leg of their play-off against Rangers at Ibrox - using the pace of Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnston to good effect - and I can see Scotland trying to do the same.

Gordon now has a largely settled team with just one or two jerseys up for grabs. People talk about the goalkeeping position but David Marshall is the man in possession. We're lucky to have a number of good other options there in Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor but I think Marshall is the No.1 and will play in Dublin.

There's a bit more uncertainty about central defence. Russell Martin has been a great find as he was effectively a right back who has become our first choice centre half. Grant Hanley was doing okay before he got injured but in the long term we need to find someone who can come in and command the position for years to come. We know about the likes of Gordon Greer and Christophe Berra but where are the ones coming through? It's probably our weakest position so we have to hope someone emerges soon who can make themselves a regular.

At the other end of the pitch I think Steven Fletcher remains our best centre forward. I found through my own experiences in international football that if you do a manager a turn, he tends to stick by you. Fletcher against Ireland and Georgia did himself no harm at all, then he got his hat-trick against Gibraltar which will have helped his confidence a bundle as well. I'd be surprised if he didn't start against Ireland and I think he's earned the right to do that. Another goal on Saturday will certainly do his reputation no harm either.

IT was no surprise to see Rangers release Bilel Mohsni following his behaviour at Fir Park last Sunday. He always came across as a volatile character during his time in Scotland but his attack on Lee Erwin was just crazy behaviour. The worst part, though, was his reaction in the days that followed. I once had a scrap with Jimmy Calderwood on the touchline but once the dust has settled, you gather your thoughts and think "what was I doing there?" You show remorse and regret. So for Mohsni to then come out later on and say Erwin was a coward just made the situation worse. He will be no loss to Rangers at all.