International football dominates the agenda for the next few days as the final two rounds of Euro 2016 qualifiers take place. Chief Sport Writer Scott Wilson looks at Thursday's key encounters

Republic of Ireland v Germany (Group D)

With two matches remaining, there is still a chance Ireland could claim an automatic place at Euro 2016. Ahead of their final two games with Germany and Poland, however, the priority for Martin O’Neill’s side will be securing third position in Group D and a play-off spot.

Ireland, who are currently third, boast a four-point cushion over Scotland, so a win in either of their final two games will mean they will definitely finish in the top three. If Scotland lose either of their two remaining matches, they won’t even need that.

Tomorrow’s game against the reigning world champions could hardly be tougher, although the Irish will be buoyed by the memory of John O’Shea’s dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen last October. Seamus Coleman and Wes Hoolahan are injury doubts for Ireland, but Robbie Keane should be available despite the recent birth of his second son.

Scotland v Poland (Group D)

Scotland are effectively playing knock-out football already as they attempt to scramble into a play-off position in the final two rounds of matches. They trail Ireland by four points, so a defeat in either of their remaining two games would mean definitely missing out on next summer’s finals in France.

Next week’s match with Gibraltar shouldn’t pose any problems, but tomorrow’s game with a Polish side who know they will secure their own qualification if they win in Glasgow promises to be a lot trickier.

Poland boast the most in-form player in world football in the shape of Robert Lewandowski, and keeping the Bayern Munich striker in check will surely be the key to Scotland’s fortunes. James Morrison is suspended, but Darren Fletcher should be available despite an injury scare.

Northern Ireland v Greece (Group F)

Northern Ireland stand on the brink of qualifying for their first major finals since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, and the dream will be realised if they beat Greece at Windsor Park.

Michael O’Neill’s side need two points from their remaining two matches to secure a place in France, so with a trip to Finland still to come next week, a defeat in their final home game would not be a complete disaster.

Greece, who have suffered two defeats to the Faroe Islands in the current round of qualifiers, are playing for nothing but pride, but Northern Ireland are without key duo Chris Baird and Kyle Lafferty, who are both suspended.

Portugal v Denmark (Group I)

The top two go head to head in Group I, and it is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side who are in the box seat as they boast a three-point advantage over their opponents and a game in hand.

Consequently, a draw in Lisbon will be enough to guarantee Portugal’s progress from the only five-team group. Denmark need a positive result to ward off the threat of Albania, who could yet steal second spot.