As disappointment turned to dismay in the fall-out from Saturday’s missed opportunity against Scotland, the reality of Ireland’s decline was illustrated yesterday by confirmation of their fourth seeding in next month’s World Cup draw.

Former Ireland stopper Packie Bonner has revealed his long-time friend, Netherlands goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek, had planned Tim Krul’s decisive late entrance into Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne is poised to return to training later this week after undergoing three operations this season.