Ryan Fraser clips over a cross from the right and Scotland captain John McGinn makes a half-hearted appeal for a penalty after being ushered out of the way by Matt Doherty.

This is a good response from the visitors as they push Scotland back. The hosts look panicked every time the ball enters their penalty area.

Chiedozie Ogbene is in the thick of the action again as Scott McKenna is booked for wiping him out.

Chiedozie Ogbene is just on for the Republic and he's presented with a gift from Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who plays a jittery pass straight to his feet. He can't react in time though and a relieved Gordon is able to flop on the loose ball as it pings back his way from Ogbene's foot.

Michael Obafemi was the man withdrawn.

Another lovely delivery from Ryan Christie on the left and Lyndon Dykes is up at the back post attacking it, only to be beaten to the punch by James McClean.

RTE co-commentator Stephen Kelly is incredulous that Troy Parrott hasn't put the Republic ahead again.

"He has to score there. He's almost had too much time. I don't know how he hasn't scored. It was a perfect pass from Michael Obafemi after Scotland lost possession on the edge of the Irish penalty area.

Scotland have now lost both starting full-backs as Aaron Hickey pulls up lame.

Anthony Ralston is on in his place and Ryan Fraser takes over from Stuart Armstrong.

A huge let-off for Scotland as they survive a two v one break after slack play from Callum McGregor.

Michael Obafemi does well to evade an ugly hack from Ryan Christie to set up Troy Parrott but the striker's shot is weak and easily saved by Craig Gordon's outstretched foot.

The Republic are on the ropes right now as Scotland really step up the tempo and twice in quick succession Lyndon Dykes is denied inside the penalty box.

Chances at either end as Matt Doherty skies a shot over the top after cutting on to his left foot inside the penalty box and then John McGinn drags one wide from 20 yards with nobody closing him down.

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on Premier Sports

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

Image source, SNS

Liam Brady's fellow RTE studio pundit Shay Given is equally impressed with the Republic's efforts so far.

"Ireland seem to have the legs all over the pitch and Scotland haven't had an answer but the big question is whether we are going to be able to keep that up."

Here we go for the second half.

No changes in personnel at the interval.

Liam Brady is not usually a man given to gush about Republic of Ireland displays but he's absolutely purring in the RTE studio about that first half from Stephen Kenny's side.

"We're putting moves together and there is aggression thrown in as well," says Brady. "We're getting to the ball first and winning the tackles. It's been all-round a brilliant Irish performance."

Republic of Ireland have stopped the opposition from scoring a first-half goal in five of their five games, no team has done this more in the Nations League this season.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

This bulging home crowd is desperate to raise the roof and see Scotland go at the Republic of Ireland defence. The trouble is they are being met with stiff resistance by a side who are comfortably keeping their opponents at bay and very much in control.

Chances are rare and at the first hint of danger it's a man in orange quickest to react and extinguish the threat.

There is a lot to ponder for Steve Clarke. No shots on target and very little direct threat to Gavin Bazunu in goal.

Image source, SNS

Martin O'Neill
Former Republic of Ireland manager on Premier Sports

RTE co-commentator Stephen Kelly says Scotland are struggling to see options when they are in possession.

He says: "That's because our defensive screen is so good, but we're bound to be expending a lot of energy doing that so it's possible that tiredness might start to creep in."