Martin O’Neill stays grounded as Ireland motor down the road to Russia

Ireland might have gone clear at the summit of Group D but Martin O’Neill is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Unbeaten, and with Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Austria in Vienna making it three wins out of four in this World Cup campaign, Ireland now find themselves two points clear of Serbia and four ahead of Wales after the latter two sides drew 1-1 in Cardiff at the weekend.

As for the Austrians, they are now a full six points adrift of the Irish following that terrific result for the visitors in the Ernst-Happel Stadium.