Ten goals in three matches but Gordon Strachan ain’t scared of Robert Lewandowski

Sure, what is there to fear? The lad has only scored 10 goals in three games.

The only bright side for Ireland is play-off rivals Scotland have to face Robert Lewandowski before Martin O'Neill's men travel to Warsaw - by then there is a good chance the in-form Bayern Munich striker will have blasted our Celtic cousins into oblivion. Whatever happens against Germany in the Aviva. The 27-year-old scored in Croke Park back in 2008 but has failed to find the net against either Ireland or Scotland in Group D, his international record of 29 goals in 70 games not quite as impressive as his current club form - which in the last week is running to a goal every 3.5 seconds, or something. Still, Scotland manager Gordaon Strachan doesn't scare easy - although he was speaking before Lewandowski's latest hat-trick in Bayern's 5-0 win over Zagreb.

“People point out that they have Lewandowski and that’s true but they have not beaten us yet,” said Strachan after naming his 27-man squad for the final Group D matches, against the Poles in Hampden Park and away to Gibraltar.

“I think we’re as good as Poland and the Republic of Ireland, that’s for sure. Absolutely – and we have proved that up until now," added the former Celtic manager, whose team must avoid defeat against Lewandowski and Co to avoid elimination.