The inquest has begun, the tribunals of investigation have been convened and, already, there’s a whiff of cordite in the air.

Fourteen-match unbeaten run: It hasn’t all been plain sailing — remember Moscow? — but Ireland return to Europe’s top table tomorrow night on the back of an impressive unbeaten streak stretching back to 3-2 friendly defeat against Uruguay in March of last year.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been ruled out until February with a knee injury.

JERMAIN DEFOE kept Tottenham on course for Wembley and brought the curtains down on the Leeds fairytale with a hat-trick in a high-octane fourth-round FA Cup replay at Elland Road last night.

Leeds 1 Tottenham 3