John Fallon: So you're telling me there is a chance?

When the club circuit does next pause for breath in 12 weeks, Ireland will embark on a mission to tumble the natural order of the game.

PREP: Manager Stephen Kenny speaks to his players during a Republic of Ireland training session at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

NEED not worry if World Cup cold turkey syndrome is kicking in, for the hot version this weekend coincides with the club chassis cranking up again.

Try as Sky Sports has to convince us that the midweek Carabao Cup is “starting to get serious”, it’ll more be the series of St Stephen’s Day Premier League fixtures which restores familiarity.