JOHN O’SHEA will put friendship to one side for 90 minutes when he comes up against a Sunderland team-mate this afternoon – and is determined to put the skids on Scotland’s Euro 2016 hopes.

Steven Fletcher will line up for the Scots at the Aviva Stadium against the Republic of Ireland knowing a victory will keep Gordon Strachan’s men on track for next year’s finals.

But O’Shea has other ideas and is keen to prevent Fletcher – or any other Scottish player - from shining as Ireland look to avoid a second defeat to Scotland in qualifying.

The Irish skipper, though, will not be distracted when he comes up against his club-mate in Dublin.

O’Shea said: “Obviously there won't be too much laughing and joking just before the game, but afterwards, it will be the same. You shake hands and you get on with things whatever the result was. But look, you know the player, obviously you get on very well with the player, but ultimately, you want to beat him, that's it.”

Shaun Maloney’s solitary goal was enough to separate the two countries when they met in Glasgow in November and that helped Scotland to stay within a point of leaders Poland; and level with World Cup winners Germany.

Ireland are two points worse off than Scotland going in to the fixture, so defeat could seriously leave Martin O’Neill’s side needing a surprising run of results to stand any chance of qualifying for the France finals.

O’Shea said: “You could easily say that, but there are still games to go in the campaign after this. But we want to win the game, and then that will take care of the rest of the campaign, hopefully.

"But we don't look too far ahead. It's a massive game against Scotland, one we are well prepared for and one we are looking forward to."

Regardless of his knowledge of the threat posed by Fletcher, O’Shea thinks it would be more dangerous to underestimate Scotland as a team.

He said: "Look, you don't just look at the attacking players, obviously, you look at the whole package and it will be a good test for us, without a doubt.

"They have some good, not just attacking players, they have good players all over the pitch and that's why we know it will be a good test, but one we are looking forward to.”

After today’s game, O’Shea and Fletcher can enjoy a summer break before returning to Sunderland for a pre-season programme under Dick Advocaat.

There is an interest from Celtic in signing former Hibernian forward Fletcher, although it will be difficult for them to agree a fee despite Sunderland’s interest in Virgil van Dijk.

Advocaat has also told sporting director Lee Congerton that he would be happy to have Sebastian Coates back at the Stadium of Light next season. The Uruguayan is on Copa America duty, but when he returns he will be sorting out his future.

Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for him after his season-long loan to Wearside and would prefer to sell the 24-year-old on a permanent basis rather than sanction a further temporary switch.