IT'S the launch of the Carling Nations Cup tonight but without a Scotland v England showdown at the end it there is a distinct lack of glamour.
All the matches are being played at Dublin's Aviva Stadium with Rep of Ireland v Scotland likely to be the decider in May.
With home advantage the Republic could edge out Wales tonight but it's not an easy call as both sides have been hit by a raft of withdrawals.
The Irish are a best 4-6 with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power while the draw is 13-5 with the Irish firm.
Wales are as big as 11-2 at William Hill and Chandler under new boss Gary Speed. With Robbie Keane missing, Wolves' Kevin Doyle is first scorer favourite at 11-2 with Paddy Power and I'll be having a small wager on him.
The sides will be looking to put on an entertaining show to spark some interest in the tournament and bot teams to score pays 13-10 at Coral.
Doyle is 7-2 favourite with William Hill to be tournament top scorer but on-form Scot Kenny Miller might be worth a look at 7-1.
Keane is 8-1 ahead of 9-1 Robert Earnshaw and David Healy and 10-1 Craig Bellamy and Steven Naismith. On the outrights Ireland and Scotland are both 10-3 with Stan James while Wales and Northern Ireland are 5-1 at Paddy Power.
To win all three matches William Hill go 5-1 Republic of Ireland, 10-1 Scotland, 16-1 Wales and 20-1 Northern Ireland.
Super Single
- Rep Ireland v Wales (both teams to score, 13-10, Coral)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
