Steven Fletcher relishing John O'Shea battle

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher has insisted that he is "looking forward" to coming up against Sunderland teammate John O'Shea this week on international duty.

The 27-year-old locks horns with the Republic of Ireland defender on Friday night with vital Euro 2016 qualification points on offer.

However, despite forming a strong relationship on the training ground, Fletcher has admitted that he is setting out to down Irish hopes should he be selected to lead the line.

"I am looking forward to it, to be fair," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "I have been running rings around him in training, so if I could do it in the game, it would be fine.

"I was pleased with my performances with Scotland [last month]. I was unlucky not to get a goal, but I was happy the way I played, and hopefully I can keep my place for the next game."

Scotland are currently fourth in the Group D standings after three games, while Republic of Ireland are second having held Germany to a 1-1 draw last month.