Shaun Maloney says both Scotland and Ireland will be under immense pressure to win next month’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin.
The 32-year-old, who was born in Malaysia and grew up in Aberdeen, scored the decisive goal when Scotland won 1-0 at Parkhead in November.
Gordon Strachan’s players sit third in qualifying Group D behind leaders Poland and Germany, two points ahead of Martin O’Neill’s Ireland.
Victory at the Aviva Stadium on June 13 would put Scotland in prime position to land one of the top three places that would secure at least a place in the Euro 2016 play-offs.
Maloney, who now plays for MLS side Chicago Fire, says both teams will be desperate for the points.
He said: “The last match felt like a cup final because of what was at stake. Now we are another game on I think the pressure is just going to increase. For both sides, I think it is imperative that they win the game.
“It is going to be a huge game for each country.”
Maloney, meanwhile, was disappointed to see his former side Wigan Athletic suffer demotion from the English Championship.
But he is confident his former Latics and Celtic team-mate Gary Caldwell can help them win promotion back up at the first time of asking.
Maloney said: “Gary was there under the really good times under Roberto Martinez.
“I would imagine they will want to be playing a similar style and get back to the club we knew a few years ago.
“I think it has been in a bit of turmoil for the last two seasons and I hope Gary can turn the tide.”
Maloney says he has been loving life in America since making the move from Wigan to Chicago in January.
The 39-times capped Scotland international has been impressed by the standard of the MLS.
He added: “The days are gone that it is an inferior league to parts of the UK. I don’t think there is much difference to the English Championship.
“The vastness of the country and the travelling is something I need to get used to but it is a good league.
“The players are technically and physically good.”