Ireland slip in FIFA rankings

The Republic of Ireland have slipped five places in the latest FIFA World Rankings published today.

They now occupy 42nd position, well below 34th placed Northern Ireland.

The side were inactive during the March international friendly programme and have yet to come together since Giovanni Trapattoni appointment as manager.

England remained at 11th position, Scotland slipped one place to 15th and Wales jumped up one to 52nd.

Greece and Israel both achieved their highest-ever position.

Reigning European Champions Greece, who won 2-1 against Portugal in a friendly match on March 26, climb two places to replace the Portuguese in eighth. The Greeks are the only country to have made ground inside the top 10.

Israel beat Chile 1-0 last month, a result that sees them enter the top 20 for the first time in their history, up two places to 20th.

Gambia (83rd, up 19) and Montenegro (153rd, up 22) are also in their best-ever positions.

Argentina still top the rankings, followed by Brazil, Italy, Spain and Germany.