Defender Richard Keogh laments the one that got away

It was the one that got away for Ireland, the chance to make it 2-2 against Poland in Warsaw and so avoid all the this week’s worry about injuries and suspensions and tickets and travel.

In short, it could have been the header that saw Martin O’Neill’s team bypass Bosnia and the play-offs, and proceed straight to France 2016 — as Richard Keogh knows only too well.

“Of course,” he nods. “I’ve seen it back. I just tried to get it on target. I headed it down but the keeper made a very good save. I’ve thought about it since — it’s fine margins. It’s the little details and the fine margins that can win or lose you the game.”