Scotland will prepare for their crucial UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifying match against Republic of Ireland with a Vauxhall International Challenge Match against Qatar on Friday 5th June at Easter Road, Edinburgh.

The 6-1 victory against Gibraltar took Scotland into joint second place in Group D on 10 points and ahead of the visit to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, national coach Gordon Strachan has factored-in a friendly match against Qatar as part of intensive preparations for the European Qualifier against Martin O’Neill’s side.

The match will kick-off at 7.45pm and Gordon believes the match will be essential for players whose seasons in Scotland’s Premiership and England’s Premier League and Championship will have concluded at various stages from early May.

“We are all looking forward to the next fixture in the European Qualifiers and given the June fixture arrives at a difficult time for ourselves and the Republic of Ireland, essentially between the end of the current season and prior to the start of next season, it is important we plan as meticulously as we can while realising that we won’t know the full picture in terms of our squad’s individual circumstances until May.

“We will ensure those whose seasons finish in early May will have a fitness programme to work on over the break, those involved in play-offs have adequate recovery and maintenance and those who may be involved in Scottish Cup final or FA Cup final also have a programme tailored to their needs.

“The match against Qatar will give us an opportunity for competitive match time before playing the Republic of Ireland and we look forward to playing in front of the fans at Easter Road in June.”

Qatar will use the FA’s national football centre at St George's Park as its base for the friendly match against Scotland in June and also their challenge match against Northern Ireland on 31st May.