Republic biggest movers of year in FIFA rankings

The Republic of Ireland are the biggest movers of the year in terms of total ranking points in the FIFA world rankings, adding 169 points.

The Republic are ranked 32nd with Northern Ireland a place lower.

Northern Ireland also showed vast improvement under recently-resigned Lawrie Sanchez are joint-second highest movers, gaining 117 points.

Scotland have moved up to 14th in the FIFA world rankings – their highest position since the table was introduced in 1993.

It represents a leap of five places and is the first time in the 14-year history of the official list that Scotland have been ranked in the top 15.

Former national boss Walter Smith left the job to return to Rangers, but he can take much credit for masterminding a revival which has seen the side win four out of six Euro 2008 qualifying matches.

His successor, Alex McLeish, is in charge of a side now rated above 2004 European champions Greece (16) and 2002 World Cup semi-finalists Turkey (19).

England are unchanged in eighth while world champions Italy remain in top spot. Brazil have overtaken South American rivals Argentina, down one place to third, in second position.