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Albion players set for international showdown

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Albion's players are gearing up for a Baggies showdown when Scotland host Northern Ireland in an international friendly tonight.

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Hawthorns captain Darren Fletcher and fellow midfielder James Morrison could line up against clubmates Gareth McAuley, Chris Brunt and Chris Baird when the two home nations meet at Hampden Park.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the Irish lads," said Morrison. "These are good games to play in and there are bragging rights in the changing room at stake.

"There's been a bit of chat already.

"But it's always a tough game against them and for me it is an opportunity to get some game time with the international team."

Both nations will use tonight's game as key preparation for vital Euro 2016 qualifiers at the weekend.

Scotland host Gibraltar in Group D on Sunday while Finland visit Northern Ireland in Group F.

And Fletcher believes the weekend's games will take priority, but he is looking forward to pitting his wits against his fellow Baggies.

"I'll see them on Wednesday," said the former Manchester United man.

"But it's a friendly match. For both countries the bigger matches will be on the Sunday.

"I'm not sure what sort of teams will be picked because I am sure both managers will have an eye on Sunday but it will be great to see the lads and play against them if that's the case."

McAuley, who is set to line up at the heart of the Northern Ireland defence, has welcomed the appointment of former Baggies defender Jimmy Nicholl to the backroom staff.

Nicholl has been made Michael O'Neill's new assistant and McAuley is relishing the prospect of working with the 58-year-old.

"It's great to have Jimmy involved," he said.

"He was a Northern Ireland legend as a player, was capped many times and I want to pick his brains as we go along and get some tips.

"He's going to be a great asset with all that experience for the rest of the campaign."

And Northern Ireland stalwart and former Villa defender Aaron Hughes is refusing to label the friendly as meaningless.

Hughes's international career stretches 17 years, yet the veteran defender has never played against the Scots during that period.

The Brighton man is hoping to change that record on Wednesday night when Michael O'Neill's men step out at Hampden Park.

"I have never played against Scotland, at senior level anyway, and never played at Hampden Park either," Hughes said.

"That's why I am looking forward to it more, it's a total first for me, so that's probably why the game has a bit more about it for me.

"I had been looking forward to it all last week, so now I'm here, I definitely hope to enjoy it.

"We have had a couple of friendlies over the years, but I missed them through injuries and I missed the Carling Nations Cup too."