Davis: Scots or Ireland will lift cup

Northern IRELAND and Rangers midfielder Steven Davis has predicted a straight fight between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland to claim the Carling Nations Cup.

The Republic cruised to a 5-0 win over their neighbours at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night to go top of the group, having already notched up a 3-0 victory over Wales in their opening match in February, with the Scots securing the same scoreline against Northern Ireland.

Craig Levein's men do battle with Wales tonight and, despite suffering a 3-0 thrashing in Cardiff the last time the two nations met in November 2009, Davis fully expects Scotland to win. Such a scenario would then set up a clash between the Republic and Scotland in the tournament's final match on Sunday.

Davis said: "Scotland have got a strong side over here so I think it's going to be between them and the Republic. It will be a good contest on Wednesday night as well but I think Scotland should shade it."

Robbie Keane grabbed a double and debutants Stephen Ward and Simon Cox also scored against Northern Ireland last night. Craig Cathcart, to add to the pain of his relegation battle with Blackpool, netted an own goal and Adam Thompson saw red on a disappointing night for Northern Ireland.