BLACKBURN Rovers captain Grant Hanley is putting thoughts of a famous win over the auld enemy to the back of his mind.

Instead all his concentration is on helping Scotland to a vital victory over Republic of Ireland in Glasgow tonight.

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The crucial Euro 2016 qualifier kick starts a massive week of action for Hanley and the Scots.

As on Tuesday they return to Celtic Park to take on England in a hotly anticipated friendly.

But for now Hanley’s focus is solely on Ireland and helping Gordon Strachan’s side take a big step closer to qualifying for a major finals for the first time since 1998.

“These are the type of games you definitely want to be involved in and they are definitely games I’m looking forward to,” said Hanley, who is set to win his 16th cap at Celtic Park this evening.

“Bur first of all we’ve got to concentrate on Ireland.

“Not just because it is Ireland but because it’s a massive game in our qualification.

“We’ve made a good start, as have Ireland, so it’s a game we really need to take points from, especially being at home.”

Scotland sit fourth in the Group D standings, level on points with reigning world champions Germany but three behind joint leaders Poland and Ireland.

Hanley said: “The group we’ve got is really tough, I’d say it’s the toughest of the lot to get out of.

“But I think the last 18 months performances have definitely picked up and if we keep improving the results will come.”

Scotland have lost only once in 14 months – to Germany in Dortmund in September – but they have failed to beat England on home soil since 1985 and went down to a 3-2 defeat when the rivals clashed at Wembley in September last year.

“England – I don’t need to say too much about that,” said Hanley, who featured in the five-goal Wembley thriller along with Rovers team-mates Jordan Rhodes and Craig Conway.

“The English lads here have been quite quiet to be fair – they’re probably nervous!”

Hanley has established himself as one of Scotland boss Strachan’s first-choice centre backs after making his international debut in May 2011.

And he believes the chance to face some of the best strikers in the world will only help him develop as a player.

“You’re testing yourself against the best and that’s ultimately what you want to do,” said Hanley, who turns 23 next Thursday.

“I really enjoy going away with my country, the training and the games are tough but it’s something I really enjoy.”

Rovers first-coach Craig Short, meanwhile, has been fined £2,000 by the FA after being found guilty of improper conduct by the FA.

Short and Millwall first-team coach Marc Bircham were sent to the stands during the stormy 2-2 draw between the teams at the Den earlier this month.

Bircham has been fined £1,000.

Young Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan, meanwhile, has been forced to pull out of the Republic of Ireland U21s squad through injury.

The 20-year-old, who is currently on loan at Burton Albion, will play no part in the friendlies in Marbella with USA tomorrow and Russia on Monday.