We’d seen the script so many times, not least in Faro in September.

Beating Luxembourg on Sunday to claim third spot in the World Cup qualifying group will deliver a consolation prize too.

Five things we learned at the Aviva Stadium  

The BBC and ITV broadcaster became one of football's most recognisable and respected voices across the 1970s and beyond.

It's easy to deride seasonal TV adverts, but there's a poetry about some of these mini dramas that is entirely apt for our age

Ronaldo’s celebrity looms over Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Portugal like a giant blimp made of abs and hair gel

George Hamilton talks luck, passion, and finding the right words, why Know Your Sport bit the dust, and why he's not thinking about retirement any time soon. 

A different aspect of the relationship between sport and political protest is revealed this month with the publication of a book which details the story of the recent strikes around Ireland by Debenhams workers.

Omobamidele has already rubbed shoulders this season with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Takumi Minamino, Raphinha, and Ivan Toney in the Premier League

While England came for Will Keane, the FAI requested his Manchester United colleague Michael

The England and Manchester United striker said his motivation is to give the nation’s youngsters the things he did not have when growing up and stressed every child deserves an “opportunity”

Will Keane insists he was only approached by the FAI about switching allegiance from England in his mid-twenties.

Brian Kerr is deserving of a role in the rebuild but Fleming, a disciple of his methods possessing a consistent track record at the cutting edge of coaching and management, is the right man in this context

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has withdrawn from the France squad due to a thigh injury.

"We’re enjoying the style of football we’re playing and we’re starting to see the rewards results-wise," the  Anderlecht man says

Republic of Ireland midfielder Josh Cullen believes Stephen Kenny enjoys the unreserved backing of his entire squad as the national team looks to end an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign on a high

Two witnesses who were sitting near Arnold told the court he shouted homophobic abuse at match referee Mike Dean and also at players, before making gestures obviously “mimicking disability”

While Chelsea's players were guilty of poor finishing at times, Nick Pope was outstanding in the Burnley goal with a man-of-the-match performance.

Returning to Old Trafford for the first time since the catastrophic five-goal defeat to Liverpool, United avoided similar humiliation but were, nevertheless, comfortably beaten.

"I can’t understand the defending. I’m driving down here thinking ‘Man United are at home, they’ve got a chance’. But they’ve been like this all season"