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

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?