Ireland stay fourteenth in rankings

Brian Kerr's Republic of Ireland side are still ranked 14th in the world following the publication of the first FIFA world rankings of 2004.

The Irish are to set entertain Brazil, the world's number one side, and the Czech Republic in forthcoming friendlies at Lansdowne Road, with the Samba boys flying in for a February 18 date and the 6th-ranked Czechs due to line out on either March 30 or 31.

The two matches are seen by manager Brian Kerr as ideal preparation for the World Cup qualifiers which will get underway in September with Ireland drawn to face France, Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands.

A meeting to arrange the dates for the competitive fixtures will take place in Ireland on February 3.

Ireland’s position means that are in exactly the same position as this time last year while their Group Five rivals, also remain relatively unchanged with France still second, Switzerland 44th, Israel climbing one to 50th, Cyprus dropping one to 98th and the Faroe Islands remaining at 126th.