Ireland pay penalty in second half as Scotland march on

Two second-half goals saw Scotland fight back to secure a hard-earned victory over Ireland in a highly entertaining UEFA Nations League encounter .

John Egan handed Stephen Kenny's side an 18th-minute lead in what was an evenly contested opening 45 minutes at the Glasgow arena, however, Steve Clarke’s side got back on terms early in the second half thanks to a Jack Hendry header.

A penalty kick would decide the Glasgow contest following an Alan Browne handball inside the penalty area, and Ryan Christie wrapped up the three points with a coolly taken spot-kick.

A balmy day in Glasgow in late September and if there was a slight chill creeping into the iconic old stadium by the time this clash of Celtic cousins kicked off, two rousing anthems warmed up the crowd – Flower of Scotland sung by the Scottish fans on their home patch is certainly something to behold.

Scotland, playing with real intent with a forward four trying to push the visitors back – yet the Irish defence pushed on, crowding the midfield with tackles flying in from all angles and both sides in a frantic start to the game.

The home side were first to get a look at goal as Christie’s shot flew harmlessly wide in the sixth minute, while Scott McTominay then burst into the box two minutes later, but the ball was half-blocked en route to Gavin Bazunu.

Ireland had the ball in the back of the net in the 11th minute as Troy Parrott latched onto a through ball and skipped past a couple of challenges before smashing it into the roof of the net.

But the ripple effect led to an immediate raising of the offside flag; an inevitability waiting to happen, truth be told, as the young Dubliner looked to have set off too early.

But seven minutes later, Ireland were celebrating, making