Ireland climb to 26th in rankings

THE Republic of Ireland have jumped three places to 26th in the latest world rankings which were released by FIFA yesterday. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side continued their march up the ranking table after the 2-1 victory over Georgia in the FIFA World Cup group 8 qualifier last month.

Ireland’s group 8 forthcoming opponents, Italy, remain in fourth position while Bulgaria drop one place below Ireland to 27th.

Since Giovanni Trapattoni’s first international match as Republic of Ireland manager, the Boys in Green have risen from 42nd to 26th in the FIFA rankings with just one defeat in eight international matches, a defeat to Poland in the November friendly match at Croke Park.