Cards fall perfectly for Trap

SO, Ireland face a play-off in order to get to a play-off. But at the least, unlike Paris, Giovanni Trapattoni’s side only need a draw against Armenia on Tuesday to jump this particular hurdle.

And that means, for once, the manager’s oft-criticised approach at home might be perfectly suited to the occasion.

In Moscow, of course, it will be just the single point that Russia require in order to top the group too on account of their superior head-to-head record against Ireland — as if there’s any doubt that they’ll beat Andorra.