Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says Ireland’s style of play is easier on the eye than Scotland’s

MANUEL NEUER wants to help Scotland make it to Euro 2016.

But the Germany goalkeeper is a bigger fan of the Tartan Army than he is of Gordon Strachan’s team.

Having now faced both countries in the qualifying campaign, Neuer believes the Republic of Ireland play better football than the Dark Blues.

That won’t stop the Bayern Munich man and his team-mates going to Dublin next month with a determination to win.

Anything other than a victory for the World Cup holders would be a hammer blow to the Scots’ hopes of claiming the play-off spot in Group D after a disappointing double-header produced no points for Strachan’s side.

Neuer said: “We want to help Scotland by winning in Dublin. Of course we do.

“In the first game against the Irish, we only got a draw so it’s important for us that we win.

“We want revenge against Ireland and we also want to help Scotland qualify because their fans were great when we played at Hampden on Monday night.

“At the end of the game, they applauded the German fans and team and that was a kind act.

“Our target is to be top of the group at the end, so we want to win our final two games.”

The 29-year-old gives the Scotland fans top billing but, having played both sides, he believes Martin O’Neill’s side is easier on the eye.

Neuer went on: “The teams have different styles.

“In my opinion, Ireland play better football and use the ball more.

“In the second half against us, the Scottish team played kick-and-rush football.

“They sat very deep in the first half and just didn’t want to play at all.

“The Irish team use the ball and play more and it’s not simple to do that against Germany.

“It wasn’t easy for us after the World Cup when we had to start the qualification campaign straight away.

“But now, after one year, we are in a good mood. We can play against teams who play with two lines of four in defence.

“It wasn’t easy last year to play against teams like Ireland, but now we are creating more chances.

“We are in a better mood.”

The Germans want to make sure they win the group, so their ideal scenario would be for Scotland to beat Poland on October 8.

Neuer added: “I hope that Scotland will get at least a draw, but Poland are a good team and are difficult to play against.

“They have so many hunters in attack and they break quickly. Scotland have to pay attention.

“My club team-mate, Robert Lewandowski is a great striker. He makes it hard for defenders and goalkeepers.

“He doesn’t need much space to score goals. Robert scored against me but we won’t joke about that!

“We didn’t speak about the last game and we won’t speak about this one.”