Stephen Kenny warns Scotland they are facing ‘a new Ireland with a new identity’

Stephen Kenny insists Hampden Park will witness a Republic of Ireland side with “a new identity” when they face Scotland.

Steve Clarke’s side shot to the top of Group B1 in the Nations League with an impressive 3-0 home win over Ukraine in midweek, but they were well beaten when they lost 3-0 in Dublin in June.

Scotland are on nine points after four matches and, with two sets of fixtures remaining, they sit two points ahead of Ukraine and five ahead of the Irish, with Armenia a point further behind at the bottom.

Ireland boss Kenny, speaking at Hampden Park where he revealed no injury concerns ahead of Saturday night’s clash, believes his side are exciting the Irish fans who travel – officially there will be 3,000 in green and white at the national stadium – and those back home.

The former Dunfermline manager said: “It’s a great occasion with a Hampden full house.

“It is a very special game and both sets of players are looking forward to it.

“Scotland had a good win on Wednesday and we respect that, but we have played well in our last few games.

“This is a new Ireland with a new identity.