Scotland are closing in on qualification for a first major tournament in almost 20 years.

The Scots are sitting third in qualifying for Euro2016 and a win over the Republic of Ireland on June 13 would set them well on their way to landing a berth in their first top competition since the 1998 World Cup.

Defender Russell Martin achieved promotion from the Championship to the Premier League with Norwich City on Monday and is now dreaming of qualifying for UEFA's showpiece tournament to be held in France next summer.

"This could be one of the best years of my life, getting into the Premier League and getting close to qualifying for a major finals. It's been a long old slog but winning the play-off final makes it worthwhile," he told the Scottish Daily Mail.

"That was really up there, in terms of life experiences, the play-off final. To lead a team up the steps at Wembley was one of the proudest moments of my career.

"Win in Ireland now and that puts us in a great position in the group. Next year could be even better - staying up in the Premier League and playing in the European Championship in France."