Daniel Storey: Goalscoring itch scratched but future still looks bleak for Ireland

Progress from the grim low of the toothless, useless recent past was only ever likely to come in small increments. 
Ireland's James McClean dejected after the defeat to Serbia. Picture: INPHO/Nikola Krstic

Ireland's James McClean dejected after the defeat to Serbia. Picture: INPHO/Nikola Krstic

Progress from the grim low of the toothless, useless recent past was only ever likely to come in small increments.

In Belgrade, Ireland finally scratched their goalscoring ‘-ić’. But if that small consolation even represents a step forward, Ireland stumbled back to a position behind the starting line. A World Cup dream cannot end after one group game, but that is no cause for celebration. The recent past was bleak; the present is bleak; what is the future for this manager if not more bleakness?

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