Source: FOOTYMAD
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It is all to play for on Sunday and Barry Bannan is confident Scotland can win. The Republic of Ireland have set the benchmark in the Carling Nations Cup with their 5-0 thrashing of Northern Ireland. So says midfielder Barry Bannan. However, he insists Scotland are more than capable of matching the hosts to pick up the silverware on offer when the two sides meet in the tournament's final game on Sunday night. It is a straight fight between Craig Levein's men and the Republic for the trophy, whose confidence will be sky high following that emphatic win over their neighbours from the north. Bannan said: "I watched that game and they played really well. It's probably been the best performance of the tournament so far. But we know what we're capable of and, with the players that we've got, we will fancy our chances going into this game. There is no point coming here if you're not going to try to win the tournament. We've got a great squad and we haven't had as many call-offs as the other teams. It shows you how seriously we are taking it. To go into the last game with something to play for makes it even better and hopefully we can turn Ireland over and win it." It was back in 2006 that Scotland last picked up a prize, the Kirin Cup in Japan, and Bannan admits the players are keen to come out on top again. He added: "There are not many opportunities for Scotland to win trophies so, when we get a chance like this, we will be going all out to win it. Hopefully we can put in a performance on Sunday and send the fans home happy with a bit of silverware." The competition has allowed boss Levein to have a first look at some new caps, including Norwich full-back Russell Martin, who made his debut against Wales. He is also hoping for a positive end to the visit to Dublin. He said: "The lads knew if we got the win against Wales, it would be between us and the Republic. Hopefully there will be a bigger crowd. It's something to enjoy. To win any piece of silverware in your career is great and the lads will want to do it. Hopefully we can put in the performance and get the result."
