So much for home comforts

WELL, at least no-one can say it was dull.

But while last night’s European Championship qualifier might have treated us to a stirring comeback, an uplifting late cameo by Shane Long and a pulsating edge of the seat finish, not even the intense drama of the last 15 minutes at the Aviva Stadium should mask the fact that Russia deservedly took the spoils from a game in which, for long periods before that remarkable final phase, they threatened to run riot against an outclassed Irish side.

True, what we can only call home disadvantage in Group B – Russia, and Ireland have now lost in the irrespective backyards – means that the table could still look a whole lot worse after three games but, in his heart of hearts, even Giovanni Trapattoni will struggle to see any significant upside to what, for a long time, was shaping up to be his bleakest night so far as Irish manager.