Wily Jon Walters nets priceless victory

After a second-half performance against Georgia that was as different to the first as day is to night, Ireland have taken a four-point lead over Scotland in the race for a play-off place for Euro 2016.

Of course they’re not there yet and, theoretically, an automatic spot is still within reach but, after taking more than 45 minutes to wake up and impose themselves on the group’s second from bottom team, nobody will be betting any money on Ireland’s ability to turn the tables on Germany or Poland.

For now, the main feeling will be one of relief that, after threatening to turn a Tbilisi gift horse into a bit of a ‘mare for the whole of a depressingly poor first half, a combination of the introduction of Shane Long at half-time and a brilliant assist for Jon Walters’ winner from Jeff Hendrick, helped Ireland to maximum points as the Scots were falling short again, this time at home to the world champions.