Ireland up to 14th in world rankings

The Republic of Ireland have received a boost ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier, as the latest FIFA World rankings see them up two places to 14th - their highest position since June.

A four-point haul from their first two Group Four qualifiers has seen Brian Kerr's men leapfrog over Denmark and surprise Euro 2004 champions Greece in the standings.

Saturday's opponents France remain in second spot - unmoved since April of last year - while Brazil continue to set the pace on 845 points.

Ireland's Group Four rivals Switzerland rose up seven positions to 42nd, while the Faroe Islands, who provide the opposition at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday, have improved two positions to 135th.

Two good results in the next seven days for Kerr could see the Irish into the world's top 12 sides for the first time since September 1995.

FIFA World rankings (September's positions in brackets): 1. (1) Brazil 845pts, 2. (2) France 799, 3. (4) Argentina 778, 4. (3) Spain 774, 5. (6) Netherlands 755, 6. (5) Czech Republic 751, 7. (7) England 739, 8= (11=) Portugal 735, 8= (9) Italy 735, 10. (8) Mexico 734, 11. (10) United States 717, 12. (13) Turkey 711, 13. (11=) Germany, 706 14. (16=) Ireland 705, 15. (15) Denmark 704, 16. (14) Greece 703, 17. (19) Uruguay 702, 18. (20) Nigeria 701, 19. (18) Japan 699, 20. (21) Iran 698