THE storm clouds that were gathering over Steve Clarke back in the summer have now been banished and the outlook is sunny again as Scotland prepare to welcome the Republic of Ireland to Hampden in the UEFA Nations League.
Clarke came under serious scrutiny for the first time in his reign when the Scots followed up their World Cup play-off defeat by Ukraine with a 3-0 hammering by the Irish in Dublin.
But the response since then has been impressive, with Scotland easing to a 4-1 win in Armenia then producing one of the best displays of Clarke's reign to beat Ukraine 3-0 at Hampden in midweek.
Our man Mark tipped the Scotland win on Wednesday and I also cashed in by doubling it with the half-time draw in a bet builder that paid 410/100.
The stirring victory still couldn't make amends for the pain of missing out on Qatar 2022 but the path to the next Euro finals is now looking a bit clearer, with top spot in their Nations League group within reach.
Draws in the last two matches with Ireland and Ukraine will do the job but Clarke will be targeting three points from this game as he looks to avenge the disaster in Dublin.
Having already lost to Armenia and Ukraine, the Irish also need a victory if they want to have a chance to topping the section. Stephen Kenny has now stamped his mark on the squad and performances are definitely improving.
That 3-0 win over Scotland was the high point of his reign and the Republic of Ireland followed it with another good display as they drew 1-1 with Ukraine in neutral Poland. So they will head to Hampden full of confidence for a game that will prove pivotal in how the whole group pans out.
How the bookies view it
Scotland are favourites but can still be backed at 11/10 with SBK which looks good value on the evidence of their display against Ukraine. Republic of Ireland's best price is 33/10 at VBet and the draw pays 29/13 with the same firm.
Head to head
There hasn't been much between these nations throughout history with Ireland just edging the head to head. They've won five of the 12 games, with the Scots coming out on top in four of those meetings.
It ended 1-o to Scotland when the Irish last came calling in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, with Shaun Maloney netting a memorable winner at Celtic Park.
Players to watch
Stuart Armstrong scored twice in Armenia and impressed again when Ukraine came calling, with only some poor finishing letting him down. The Southampton midfielder is 5/1 with Bet365 for anytime scorer which looks overpriced.
Troy Parrot scored when Ireland beat the Scots in Dublin and should lead the line for this one. The Tottenham kid isn't in great form, scoring just once this season on loan at Preston, but is a threat and can be backed at 9/2 (Bet365) for a goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both sides going for the win it should be an open game so I like over 2.5 goals, which pays 8/5 at BetVictor. Backing a goal to be scored in both halves also appeals and that's a best 23/20 with BoyleSports.
Scotland bossed the corner count in midweek, racking up seven while Ukraine couldn't even manage one, so that handicap is worth a look. Backing the Scots at -1 pays 11/10 with Bet365 and that looks terrific value. Over nine match corners also appeals at 11/10 with the same firm.
Even though they eased to victory in Dublin, Ireland still picked up more cards than the Scots. They are 22/25 with Unibet to have most cards at Hampden while the same firm offer 31/20 on over 2.5 Irish cards.
This UEFA Nations League match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland will be played on Sep 24, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Scotland vs Republic of Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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