Scotland v Northern Ireland: History of fixtures with big wins, red cards & missed penalties

Despite being a hop, skip and jump across the Irish Sea, Scotland and Northern Ireland have come face-to-face a surprisingly low number of times over the years.

A lot has changed, but BBC Sport takes a look at the last five meetings between the sides (across the last five decades).

From debut red cards and missed penalties to cult heroes finding the net, this is a fixture that has seen it all.

25 March 2015 – Scotland 1-0 Northern Ireland (Friendly)

Nine years ago, the first thing to notice about this one is that Northern Ireland are wearing blue at Hampden Park against Scotland, who are wearing their white away top.

Once you look past that madness, this match isn’t one that lived long in the memory.

Northern Ireland were as organised as ever under Michael O’Neill, who handed a debut to Paddy McNair, but it was Scotland who pressed harder for the opener, with 19 shots compared to visitors’ six.

The breakthrough came when Ipswich Town defender Christophe Berra headed home the only goal of the game with five minutes to play.

Northern Ireland would go on to secure qualification to Euro 2016 later in the year, while Scotland got a taste of tournament action three years ago – a feat they will enjoy again in Germany this summer.

9 February 2011 – Northern Ireland 0-3 Scotland (Nations Cup)

Remember the Nations Cup in 2011? Not a lot of people do.

Featuring Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, it was an attempt to revive the old Home Nations tournament (more on that later) but it was discontinued after one attempt.

Scotland faced a depleted Northern Ireland in their opener and there was only ever going to be one winner in front of a crowd of just 18,000 in Dublin.

Kenny Millar, captaining Scotland for the first time, poked home the opener before James McArthur added a second on 31 minutes.

Kris Commons wrapped up the game early in the second half. Game, set and match.

A night to remember for Scotland, a night to forget for Northern Ireland.

20 August 2008 – Scotland 0-0 Northern Ireland (Friendly)

Another match that won’t live long in the memory (we hope this isn’t a common theme ahead of Tuesday’s match).

In summary, David Healy missed a penalty shortly after Ryan McGivern, making his NI debut, was sent off.

While it ended goalless, there were plenty of chances in Glasgow and all three goalkeepers – Maik Taylor for NI and Scotland’s Craig Gordon and substitute Allan McGregor – were called into action.

McGivern was shown a second yellow card when he brought down Scott Brown on 57 minutes.

Nigel Worthington’s side had a glorious chance to grab the crucial goal shortly after when McGregor brought down Warren Feeney.

McGregor redeemed himself when he saved Healy’s penalty to deny 10-man Northern Ireland victory.

19 February 1992 – Scotland 1-0 Northern Ireland (Friendly)

In a real golden era for Scotland qualifying for major tournaments, a match against Northern Ireland was the first of five warm-up fixtures ahead of Euro 92.

In front of a crowd of just 13,000, the hosts came out on top at Hampden Park in a scrappy affair.

Rangers striker Ally McCoist had the decisive say as he headed home Gary McAllister’s corner in the 11th minute in what was the only goal of the game.

Eleven was the magic number as that was the 11th of McCoist’s 19 goals for Scotland.

As for the Euros, Dennis Bergkamp scored as Scotland lost to the Netherlands while Germany ran out 2-0 winners.

Scotland did defeat CIS (formerly the USSR) 3-0 in their final match, but fell just short of progressing.

13 December 1983 – Northern Ireland 2-0 Scotland (British Home Championship)

For Northern Ireland’s last win over Scotland you have to go back 41 years to 1983 when, on a high following the World Cup the previous year, Billy Bingham’s side came out on top at Windsor Park.

It was the opening match of the 100th anniversary of the British Home Championship, which was also the last edition of the tournament.

Norman Whiteside opened the scoring against a youthful Scotland in the 17th minute and Sammy McIlroy, still involved with Northern Ireland’s coaching team, added a second after the restart.

Whiteside was just 18 at the time and, at the other end, legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings kept a clean sheet at the age of 38.

An interesting fact, the British Home Championship trophy remains the property of the Irish FA, as Northern Ireland were the last champions before the tournament was discontinued.