Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

This is the stuff of dreams for Scotland fans.

Top of their Nations League group and tantalisingly close to promotion to the top tier. With a Euro 2024 qualification back-up option thrown in if they finish the job on Tuesday.

The second half display was one of real character, purpose and nerve. In the face of adversity they have played to their strengths and that has delivered another win.

To turn this result around after a fairly abject first half is a significant statement by these players and one Hampden Park has utterly savoured.

There's much to be positive about.

Image source, SNS

The bad blood carries on after the final whistle, with Jack Hendry booked for some more silly scuffling with Josh Cullen.

It wasn't pretty but Scotland get the job done, coming from behind to beat the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Clarke's team are two points clear at the top of Group B1 going into the final game against Ukraine in Poland on Tuesday.

Scotland's showed more aggression and purpose in the second half, with Jack Hendry nodding home the equaliser and Ryan Christie rolling in a cool penalty.

The Irish will rue a brilliant breakaway chance fluffed by Troy Parrott.

Great strength from John McGinn as the Scotland skipper holds off four anxious opponents snapping at his heels.

The home fans love that...

Robby Brady is booked for a horrible hack on Ryan Fraser as the Scotland winger tries to break free down the left.

Into four minutes of stoppage time we go as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon eats up a few seconds.

Scotland break from defending a corner, with John McGinn somehow getting away with a clear barge.

Ryan Fraser is scampering in from left and takes aim for the far corner but his shot goes well wide of the target.

That booking for Scott McTominay rules the Man United midfielder out of Tuesday's game with Ukraine.

It's all kicking off with players grappling off the ball. Scott McTominay and Jason Knight are booked. There could have been a few more cards there...

And now there's a VAR check... No more action to be taken, even though Jack Hendry and Josh Cullen were at it.

Image source, SNS

RTE co-commentator Stephen Kelly says the Republic can have no complaints about the penalty award.

"I know Alan Browne has only just come on but to jump with your hands stretched out like that......

"It's so disappointing. We're looking back on that Troy Parrott chance now."

Robby Brady is on for the visitors, taking over from James McClean.

Scotland respond with more changes, Kenny McLean and Che Adams on for Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

Image source, SNS

Handball from Alan Browne... As Scott McTominay goes up for a header the substitute raises both arms. Pretty daft from the substitute.

Image source, SNS

An Anthony Ralston cross is nodded away but only as far as the edge of the box, where Callum McGregor chests down and has a dig. Deflected away by John Egan.

Seamus Coleman, Callum Robinson and Alan Browne are on for the visitors.

Matt Doherty, Troy Parrott and Jayson Molumby are the men making way.

Irish skipper John Egan takes one for the team, clearing out Ryan Christie, who has been full of beans for Scotland in the second half.

Brilliant defending from Republic wing-back Matt Doherty as he denies Scott McTominay a certain goal with a clearing header almost on his own goal-line.

It looked like McTominay had a simple nod in before Doherty's intervention.

Ryan Fraser chops back on to his left foot and gets plenty of power on his shot from the edge of the box but Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu beats it away with both hands.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

This is a fascinating contest. Just as Scotland looked to have a firm grip on this, Stephen Kenny's side has begun to reassert their threat and had one or two fabulous chances.

Scotland only need a point here tonight. Will that become a factor as the game wears on, one that might work in Steve Clarke's favour?

The Republic of Ireland will surely seek a win as the game wears on. Why wouldn't they as that is their only route to finishing second in this group.

It really is on a knife edge.