Martin O’Neill: We fought tooth and nail to get into this position

Martin O’Neill didn’t want to deal with questions about his future so soon after last night’s World Cup play-off loss, but such is life for a modern manager and he duly offered a word or two on what may happen next.

It was the eve of the Moldova game early last month when word dropped that both manager and FAI chief executive John Delaney were keen for him to stay on and see the side through the qualifying stages for the 2020 European Championship.

And now?