Miguel Delaney: Defence to the fore once again

Backs, once again, to the front.

It was actually fitting that Ciaran Clark and Shane Duffy combined for the game’s only goal, even before they bound together to keep Switzerland at bay. Whether this is the start of a future central defensive partnership remains to be seen but, either way, it is the continuation of a theme with O’Neill’s team: Defenders going beyond what should be fairly expected.

In that regard, there has also been something of a contradiction to Ireland’s backline too. Even though it is the thinnest area of the squad — as illustrated by the low numbers of defenders in the squad sheet and the fact a winger has been converted into a first-choice full-back — it has often been the strongest and sturdiest part of the team. Literally and figuratively.