On the face of it, Ireland’s victory over Germany was the result of a Darren Randolph three iron and Shane Long putting past Manuel Neuer.

Jeff Hendrick praised Ireland’s work rate as Martin O’Neill’s side wore down Georgia and have every chance of grabbing the playoff spot in Euro 2016 at Scotland’s expense.

On a hot scoring streak of five goals in his last six games for Ipswich Town, Daryl Murphy is bound to be high up in Martin O’Neill’s thoughts as Ireland prepare to face a Gibraltar side which shipped seven in their opening European Championship qualifier against Poland.

A season which began full of promise and was then torn apart by injury could yet end on a high note for Robbie Brady, with the Hull City winger eyeing up a comeback in time for Ireland’s summer friendlies and, possibly, a Wembley cup final.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes his side have “a 51% opportunity” of making the play-offs for the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.