Mick McCarthy's side head into this evening's away match in Switzerland still unbeaten in Group D.

It’s hard to see how taking on Switzerland on their own patch could be anything other than a seriously daunting experience for Ireland but Enda Stevens will be only too happy to be back in the thick of things in Geneva tonight.

One of Shane Duffy’s first thoughts after emerging “knackered” but alright from the 90 minutes in Tbilisi was to pay tribute to Brighton for not standing in the way of his international commitments despite their initial fears that his calf injury would be of a much longer duration.

For a country synonymous with watches, Switzerland’s team have developed an unusual aversion to sticking by the clock.

Aaron Connolly is very much in Mick McCarthy’s mind for a starting place in Geneva tomorrow night but if the Brighton bright spark is to be given the nod, the manager suggests he might need support up front.

Ireland are top of the group with two games to play - starting with a tough tie in Switzerland on Tuesday.

The Republic of Ireland have drawn 0-0 against Georgia in their Euro 2020 qualifier in Tbilisi.

Northern Ireland suffered the first defeat of their European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign as they were beaten 2-1 by Denmark in Aalborg.

Martin O’Neill believes that it’s still “touch and go” as to whether Shane Long will be fit for next month’s European Championship play-off against Bosnia.

Temuri Ketsbaia got his wish as former Newcastle team-mate Shay Given was named only among the substitutes for the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 opener in Georgia.

Robbie Keane has urged the Republic of Ireland not to pass up the opportunity to book their place in the extended Euro 2016 finals.

Overcast skies which kept temperatures down throughout the day meant that the Irish team trained in far less punishing conditions than they might have been expecting as darkness fell at the Dinamo Stadium in Tbilisi this evening, with Martin O’Neill putting his charges through their final paces ahead of tomorrow’s opening European Championship qualifier.

France moved level on points with Euro 2008 qualifying Group B leaders Scotland, after a 5-0 trouncing of the Faroe Islands in Sochaux tonight.

Wales 3 Cyprus 1

Northern Ireland 1 Latvia 0

Ukraine 2 Scotland 0

Croatia 2 England 0

Several Scotland fans were injured after being set upon by a gang of local hooligans in Ukraine, supporters said today.

Frank Lampard will win his 50th England cap in Croatia tonight but feared he would never reach the milestone after the stop-start nature of his early international career.

Lawrie Sanchez is already intent on enjoying the festive season and making sure everyone connected with Northern Ireland shares the feel-good factor.

Steve Staunton is determined to “ride the storm” as his future as manager of the Republic of Ireland comes into focus again.

Robbie Keane will tonight push to one side the current criticism surrounding the Republic of Ireland in a bid to restore lost pride.

Cyprus 2 Republic of Ireland 2

Germany 1 Republic of Ireland 0

Czech Republic 2 Wales 1

Germany 0 Republic of Ireland 0

England 5 Andorra 0

Reading striker Kevin Doyle was handed his first competitive start for the Republic of Ireland in their opening European Championship qualifier.

Scotland 6 Faroe Islands 0

Northern Ireland 0 Iceland 3

Steve McClaren made two enforced changes from the side which had overcome Greece 4-0 last month for his first competitive match as England manager against the minnows of Andorra.