With an ageing squad Ireland have so far negotiated a strong path towards Russia but the man responsible for harnessing the next generation, Ruud Dokter, is confident there’s sufficient talent to fill the gaps in the next campaign.

Watching the excellent ‘Feile Dreams’ documentary last Monday, it seemed, at first, extraordinary to think coaches of Irish birth or descent could actually go and sell the game of Gaelic football to a group of kids born and raised in London, most of whose roots are traced back to Africa rather than Achill, Athlone or Annascaul.

Jon Walters has been forced to withdraw from Ireland’s squad to face Germany and Kazakhstan after a negative assessment on a groin problem following his substitution in Stoke City’s 1-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday.

Stephen Ireland wants to wait until a permanent manager of Ireland is appointed before making a decision about a return to international duty.

It looks like Irish football is heading for a whole different ballpark, with confirmation expected next week that a friendly against Spain in New York in May will take place at Yankee Stadium.