Martin O’Neill hails ‘lunatic’ James McClean but voices Wes Hoolahan doubts

“Yeah, I’m brilliant!”

No, Martin O’Neill hasn’t suddenly let his ego run wild, even if he might have more than a little justification for doing so, given that his Irish team have excelled in 2016, following up those days to remember at the Euros with an almost dream start to the World Cup qualifying campaign.

In truth, the manager has his tongue firmly embedded in his cheek as he ostensibly blows his own trumpet in response to being asked if his much vaunted powers of man-management are a significant factor in the team’s current rude health.