Steven Naismith: 'Scotland are ready for Republic of Ireland test'

Steven Naismith has insisted that the Scotland squad are fully prepared for the challenge ahead of their vital Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

Gordon Strachan's currently sit two points ahead of Ireland in third place in Group D, and Naismith is confident that Scotland can pick up a crucial victory after winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in November.

"We know how quickly one performance can change the look of the group, but we know what we've done in this first half of the campaign we've worked so hard for and we believe going into every game we can take something from them," the Everton forward told reporters.

"This game will be no different. If you win your home games and put in good performances and take points from the away ones you'll have a great chance, and that's what we've got to concentrate on.

"We've got a real chance. Looking at the group and how tough it has been, in all the games we've looked dangerous, we've took the lead in a lot of them, and we've held our own at the back, so we'll just do the same as we have been doing for the rest of the campaign and I'm sure we won't be far away."

Scotland are just a point behind group leaders Poland at the halfway stage of the campaign.