EURO fever is sweeping through Inverclyde as the area gears up for Scotland’s titanic clash with their German hosts in the tournament’s opening fixture tonight.

Many members of the local Tartan Army cohort have already made their way out to Munich to get behind Steve Clarke’s men and Inverclyde’s businesses and schools have shown their support for the national team back home.

Shopfronts on West Blackhall Street have been adorned with bunting, flags and banners while local schoolchildren have taken time out of class to learn about the Tartan team and participate in the Tele’s EURO 2024 poster competition.

Much-loved charity Ardgowan Hospice have also helped people get into the tournament spirit by running a text raffle, which included prizes donated by Greg Taylor and Greenock-born actor Martin Compston, who are both hospice patrons.

(Image: George Munro)

Elsewhere, Greenock Morton and Inverclyde Leisure will be among the businesses hosting watch-a-long events tonight, with locals expected to pack into Inverclyde’s pubs to catch the game.

The national team ended a 23 year wait for a major tournament when they qualified for the last Euros, but ultimately fell short in the group stages.

(Image: Isaac Dunning) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Now a squad of 26 players – which includes Inverclyde-born stars Greg Taylor and Lewis Morgan – are bidding to do one better and escape a tricky group which contains the hosts Germany as well as Hungary and Switzerland.

The inclusion of Greg and Lewis in the Scotland squad was a moment of pride for the area.

Their appearances against Finland in Scotland’s last warm-up match last week marked the first time since 1999 that two Inverclyde-born players took to the field together.

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Lifelong Morton and Scotland fan Islay Fraser was at the 1999 game against the Czech Republic at Parkhead, which saw both Neil McCann and David Hopkin play.

The 77-year-old told the Tele he was thrilled to see two local lads playing in the national team once again.

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

He said: “Hopkin was on the right, McCann was on the left, both very good players.

“I told my son I was very proud to see two Greenock guys on the pitch for Scotland.

“It’s really exciting to see two Inverclyde guys in the team again.

“They’ve done well to qualify, but after that we’re battling history a bit never having got out the group in a finals.

“Germany are maybe not at their best given their illustrious record in championships so now may be as good a time as any to play them.

“I’m sure there’ll be another swell of pride if they both take to the pitch together on Friday.

“I just wish good luck to both of them and good luck to all their teammates.”