The Irish government announced this week that it would not be able to part-finance Stadium Ireland, the proposed new stadum to be built on the outskirts of Dublin.

But after reassurance from Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern that the stadium would still be built, with private money, Scottish Football Association chief executive David Taylor remains optimistic of the bid's success.

Uefa inspectors arrive in Ireland and Scotland next week to assess the Celtic nations' suitability for hosting the event.

"There is no cause for alarm," said Taylor.

"We have re-stated on a number of occasions the guarantees from the Irish government that they will deliver two stadia of the required nature for the bid.

"That hasn't changed, but there has been a change in the nature of funding for Stadium Ireland.

"But all the indications are that this is the preferred route for funding and better for timescales."

There is a degree of scepticism among Irish financial experts over the will of the private sector to get involved in Stadium Ireland.

But Scottish first minister Jack McConnell is also confident the bid is on track.

"They (the Irish government) are still very strongly committed to this bid and they will put on a good presentation to the inspection team on Monday," said McConnell.

"I know Bertie believes the quickest way to finance a national stadium is to secure that stadium as part of a wider development on that site and for that development to be lead by the private sector.

"The adverts are in the Irish press today (Friday) and, if they keep meeting the deadlines, we will be delighted.

"A number of people have expressed an interest and they have had to advertise properly to get that interest formally expressed."

With the reassurances from Ireland, Taylor is convinced the Scots-Irish bid is the strongest candidate among the field of seven competing to host the tournament.

"We start from a better position than our principal competitors in terms of the size of our stadiums and the number already built," added Taylor.

"We believe the package is a very attractive and innovative one for Uefa to award us the championships.

"In Switzerland, a stadium in Zurich has not been built, it is going to be private sector funded and also needs a referendum of the local populace to go ahead.

"We are not in that position and we have to keep things in perspective."