Must the ball come into our thinking?

On Monday, Martin O’Neill suggested Ireland would attempt to “deal with the ball a wee bit better” in the second leg of their World Cup play-off.

It sounded like one of those long-finger promises you make on recalling a previous bit of unpleasantness.

A vague plan to save a few bob for unexpected bills. Or a vow to buy a plunger in case the jacks overflows again.