Who is the star of this Germany team? It was goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on a stage in January in Zurich when he came third in the Ballon D’Or vote for the world’s best player.

Sean St Ledger still hasn’t given up hope of an international recall...

Maybe it’s better this way.

Steven Naismith believes Scotland are “definitely on track” for France 2016.

The high point of Mick McCarthy’s reign as Ireland manager (with the lowest point thrown in for good measure) was leading Ireland to a terrific showing at the 2002 World Cup finals.

Seamus Coleman has admitted the Republic of Ireland must learn from their mistakes if they are to keep alive their hopes of making it to the Euro 2016 finals.

You could hardly describe the draw with Scotland as a positive result but at least, in contrast to what a defeat would have meant, it leaves Ireland with a slight chance of qualifying for France 2016.

If Ireland are to have a shot at redemption, they will first need to get some shots on target.

An evening of holes, from beginning to end. 

After last week’s dull goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland, England answered their critics.

We always hear plenty of talk about Irish heart and Irish passion.

Few faces do instant scorn as well as Gordon Strachan’s so there were some with bated breath at the Aviva Stadium last night when the Scotland manager was asked if his side was in Dublin with the aim of playing for a draw.

A disgruntled group of Republic of Ireland supporters have organised a plane protest against FAI chief executive John Delaney ahead of today’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland.

I watched last Sunday’s scoreless draw with England on television and listened with interest to the analysis of Kenny Cunningham and Keith Andrews.

After a long build-up and various sub-plots being floated, Ireland’s John O’Shea has cut through the froth surrounding this evening’s Euro 2016 qualifier to revisit first principles.

His subtle but succinct skewering of John Delaney grabbed all the attention on this side of the Irish Sea, but closer to home, it was another of Stewart Regan’s observations that stood out from the rest. 

Messi gave up processed food this season, we heard this week from nutritionist Giuliano Poser, seemingly the true driving force behind Barcelona’s surge out of pre-Christmas lethargy to intestinal purity and treble glory.

Martin O’Neill said earlier this week that defeat against Scotland today would leave Ireland with a mountain to climb in European Championship Group D.

Robbie Brady is a study in footballing evolution: From winger to wing-back to full-back, but still with a licence to thrill when it comes to whipping in crosses and delivery of the dead ball.

Shaun Maloney does not think the Republic of Ireland will be fooled again by another Scottish set-piece ploy.

Given that he found himself featuring in yet another non-football story to hog the headlines in Ireland, Martin O’Neill was asked yesterday if, since becoming national manager, he has ever felt like he’s ended up in a soap opera.

It’s being billed in many quarters as a make or break 90 minutes in Ireland’s quest to make it to France in 2016 but whether his team wins, loses or draws against Scotland on Saturday, Martin O’Neill maintains the result of this one game won’t define the final outcome of the qualifying race.

Scotland assistant boss Mark McGhee hopes to see his former star pupil Robbie Keane kept in reserve on Saturday —even if he feels the Ireland skipper is playing at the equivalent of League One level in America.

John Delaney was last night accused of “ludicrous” behaviour by Stewart Regan as the Scottish FA chief issued a withering appraisal of his FAI counterpart in the wake of last week’s Fifa loan furore.

True to form, Paul McShane’s plan to rouse the Aviva Stadium crowd during Saturday’s Euro qualifier against Scotland involves a crunching tackle.

With just three points separating the four contenders in Group D it would be a nice boost for Ireland if Georgia could get a result in Warsaw on Saturday. Nice, but unlikely.

Martin O’Neill concedes that, even though they have home advantage, his Irish team will be the one feeling the most pressure when Scotland come calling to the Aviva on Saturday.

Limerick 1-16 London 1-13