Tuffey eager for bragging rights

09 February 2011 09:00

Jonathan Tuffey is looking for Northern Ireland to beat Scotland in tonight's Carling Nations Cup game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to take the bragging rights back to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Inverness goalkeeper is just one of several SPL players boss Nigel Worthington has in his Irish squad, including Steven Davis and David Healy of Rangers and Celtic duo Paddy McCourt and Niall McGinn.

"It will nice to have the bragging rights going back there and so that adds more incentive." said the Caley keeper.

"It's all geared up to be a good old fashioned classic international and it's one we are all looking forward to as will Scotland,

"It is nice that the home nations are involved in the tournament. The SPL has been important to the Northern Ireland squad and the fact that so many of us ply our trade in that league gives the game an edge."

Tuffey insists there is no reason at all for the Irish to go in to the game as underdogs.

The former Partick Thistle keeper said: "In all honesty, with the mentality the coaching staff have installed in us, we expect to give anyone a game.

"The mentality of the past, when it was believed that if Northern Ireland got a good result then it was 'lucky Northern Ireland', is all in the past.

"It certainly is for this group of players and staff.

"It's about going out to get something from matches and we look forward to this game against Scotland."

Source: PA