Spirit warrants credit but drawing habit may be costly

At the very least, there’s absolutely no doubting Ireland’s spirit. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a fair few doubts about this team, however, and their ability to qualify for Euro 2016. 

Spirit can take you an awful long way, but it may not be enough to take Ireland to France. This is the thing with late goals.

As uplifting and mood-transforming as they are, the reasons they are required shouldn’t be overlooked. Ireland were atrocious in the first half, and it seemed to sum up the worst of the latter part of Martin O’Neill’s career.