Kerr’s boys now rated 14th best side in the world

THE Republic of Ireland are up one place to 14th, in the latest world rankings issued by FIFA.

Brian Kerr's side are just one place behind Italy, whom they played in a friendly at Lansdowne Road last night.

France have slumped to their lowest position since winning the World Cup in 1998. The French, who also won the European title in 2000, are ranked ninth equal with Portugal after dropping two places.

England also rose one place, to seventh, still behind the US but having overtaken Spain, who are eighth.

Scotland dropped one place to 86th, one spot behind the United Arab Emirates and three behind Wales, who are 83rd while Northern Ireland are joint-116th with Azerbaijan.

World Champions Brazil continue to lead the rankings with Argentina, Holland, Czech Republic and Mexico completing the top five.