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Dundee United's Irish captain Gavin Gunning has warned Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane to expect to face a resurgent Scotland in Euro 16 qualification.

As a team-mate to several Scots talents, Dubliner Gunning has a unique insight into the threat Ireland will face from Gordon Strachan’s Tartan Army when Group D kicks off in September.

Operating alongside the centre-back tonight against Hibernian will be left-back Andrew Robertson (inset), still a teen but drafted into the Scots’ squad for Wednesday’s friendly against fellow Group D opponents Poland.

Three Scottish under-21s – Ryan Gauld, John Souttar and Stuart Armstrong – have also been integral to United’s three-game winning streak.

“All the lads were delighted with Sunday’s Euro draw because they fancy knocking Ireland out for second place,” he explained.

“Scotland have improved hugely since Strachan took over and they’ll be even stronger come the start of the campaign because of the younger players pushing through from the under-21s.

“I really think it’s going to difficult for Ireland to finish above the Scots. Strachan’s appointment seems to have given the whole country a lift and they won’t fear Germany and Poland either. By the time Ireland visit them at Parkhead in November, I’m sure the Scottish will have plenty more players to choose from.”

Just turned 23, Gunning feels the elder statesman of the Dundee United squad.

Robertson, he reckons, will be an English Premier League player by the start of next season while 18-year-old Gauld is another certainty to switch south.

“Roberto Martinez has already visited Tannadice to watch Andrew, he is the quickest left-back in the SPL,” outlined former Blackburn Rovers trainee Gunning.

“Ryan is such a tricky player that fans have nicknamed him the Scottish Messi but I’d compare him more to David Silva because of his neat footwork and change of pace. He’s a definite match-winner who Ireland need to mind.”

Whether Gunning realises his ambition of facing the Scots for Ireland may be determined by what choice he makes in the coming weeks.

His boss Jackie McNamara is showing patience as he mulls over a contract extension offer or opts to accept one of the many challenges elsewhere on the table.

Rangers boss Ally McCoist wants him to follow the lead of Jon Daly by becoming the second Irishman to join from Dundee United within the space of year.

Mick McCarthy is also eager to build next season’s Ipswich Town side around the towering defender.

“I wouldn’t have any fear about joining Rangers but it’s not definite that I’ll be leaving Dundee United either,” he asserted.

“I’ve a young family now and need some stability in whatever decision I make. I’m in regular contact with Jon Daly and he can’t speak highly enough of Rangers.

“But I’d want to avoid a situation whereby pay cuts are enforced and the club becomes at risk. That would be a nightmare for any player.”

As for catching the eye of O’Neill and Keane, Gunning isn’t so sure a change of scene is essential.

“Some of the defenders being picked in the Ireland squad are with English Championship clubs that just play long-ball stuff,” he reasoned.

“I can’t see how that helps at international level where most nations keep the ball on the deck.

“Roy Keane attended the recent game between Celtic and Aberdeen so maybe he’ll pop back up to watch a few more SPL games that I can impress him in.”