Perhaps it was Giovanni Trapattoni seemingly on his way to the sack that caused Faroe Islands Lars Olsen to downplay his side’s hopes before they hosted Ireland last October.

Robbie Keane planted himself firmly in Giovanni Trapattoni’s corner after helping the Republic of Ireland to a resounding 4-1 World Cup qualifier victory in the Faroe Islands.

Faroe Islands 1-4 Republic of Ireland

Faroe Islands 0 Slovenia 2