Support in Sport, the Irish firm that provides sports pitches around the world, hopes to benefit from the World Cup finals next year.

While stating he thinks it’s “logical” to hold off on negotiations with Martin O’Neill until the road to Russia has run its course, John Delaney has declined to specify whether a new contract offer for the manager is actually dependent on Ireland qualifying for the 2018 World Cup Finals.

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