They were the days when managers still wore peaked caps and footballers sported moustaches.

While Scotland and Ireland's last competitive meeting before tonight came way back in 1987 at Hampden Park, the result from that night lives long in the memory and should serve as an inspiration for what goes on tonight at Celtic Park.

These pictures will help jog the memory of a match that would ultimately prove crucial for that generation of Irish players.

Liam Brady and the Ireland bench watch the game ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

So let's set the scene. Before the clash on February, Ireland had yet to qualify for a major tournament and the Boys in Green had started the Euro 88 qualifying group with a 2 - 2 draw in Belgium and a goalless stalemate against Scotland.

Game 3 would take Jack Charlton's squad to Hampden Park with a victory needed to boost our chances, especially as Belgium and Scotland already had wins under their belts.

The Ireland lineup went a little like this: Bonner, McGrath, McCarthy, Moran, Whelan, Houghtan, Lawrenson, Brady, Galvin, Stapleton, Aldridge. Sub: Byrne for Brady

Born in Scotland, Ireland's Ray Houghton told Off The Ball about the hostile reception he received from the home crowd. But he also said it spurred him on and he would have the last laugh ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Scotland's Gordon Strachan stands over an injured John Aldridge of Ireland. This week Aldridge previewed the Ireland game with me and had plenty of praise for Scotland manager Strachan ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

 

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson would score five goals for Ireland and in the context of Irish football history, there was none more important than his 8th minute effort ©INPHO/Billy Stickland