Germany have one eye on the finals, Ireland one on Scotland

Germany national soccer players Max Kruse, Marco Reus and Andre Schuerrle (L-R) take part in a training session in Frankfurt, Germany, October 6, 2015. Germany will play a Euro 2016 qualification match against Ireland on Thursday. REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski

DUBLIN (Reuters) - While world champions Germany will be eager to seal their automatic qualification for Euro 2016 with a win on Thursday, Ireland will have one eye nervously cast on the progress of playoff rivals Scotland.

Victory in Dublin would keep Germany on course to top Group D ahead of Poland although winger Lukas Podolski is doubtful for the match, and Sunday's game against Georgia after picking up an ankle injury.