Tommy Martin: Persistence with O'Neill the big difference between Irelands north and south

Ireland are now the poor relations of the Celtic quadrangle, and comparisons with Northern Ireland are not flattering. 

THE DIFFERENCE: Northern Ireland's headcoach Michael O'Neill (L) speaks to midfielder Justin Devenny during the 2026 World Cup qualifier with Germany (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Looking forward to the big game involving an Irish team in this World Cup qualifying window. It’s taking place in the city of Košice in eastern Slovakia tomorrow night.

Of course, the Republic of Ireland’s penultimate qualifier against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium is also a big game. If Ireland get a result, they go to Hungary still with a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo is in town again with his star-studded retinue. It’s a full house. There will be kids with cardboard signs asking for jerseys.