Scotland to play Northern Ireland in 2015 friendly

SCOTLAND will take on Northern Ireland in a friendly in March 2015, it has been confirmed.

James McFadden takes on Northern Ireland at Hampden in 2008. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Gordon Strachan’s men will play Michael O’Neill’s squad ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar on March 29.

World ranking points will be up for grabs ahead of the World Cup qualification draw in June 2015.

Northern Ireland and Scotland have been in impressive form in their respective Euro 2016 groups - Scotland posted wins against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland while Northern Ireland have won three and lost one to put them second in Group F.

The teams last met in the 2011 Nations Cup, with then manager Craig Levein leading Scotland to a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Kris Commons, James McArthur and Kenny Miller.