Wes Hoolahan is out to spoil Norwich team mates Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker's summer by inspiring the Republic of Ireland to beat Scotland in a vital Euro2016 qualifier.

The trio were key figures in the Canaries' Wembley play-off success to seal promotion to the Premier League but battle lines have been drawn ahead of Saturday's Dublin showdown.

Hoolahan insists it is a must-win derby for Martin O'Neill's men after losing 1-0 to the Scots earlier in the campaign.

'If we want to have any chance of qualifying we need to win this game,' said the City midfielder, with the Irish trailing their neighbours by two points in a group which also features World Champions Germany and current leaders Poland. 'Russell and Steven will also be coming into this weekend's game on a high. It was a great way to finish off the season, winning the play-off final at Wembley and going up, but on our day Ireland can beat anyone. We've shown that in the past. So of course we can win this game. This is a new era and Martin O'Neill is building a team we all hope can qualify.'

Hoolahan sat out the 0-0 friendly stalemate against England to manage a knee problem but the former Shelbourne midfielder is ready to play his part in a defining game for his country.

'Getting the three points is so important,' he said. 'Losing at Celtic Park was sore to take but what made it even more disappointing was losing a goal to a set-piece, which is something we work hard on in training. But it's going to be some game against Scotland.'