The Gareth Southgate template could be one for Ireland to follow

England manager Gareth Southgate shakes hands with Jack Grealish after he is substituted as Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny (left) looks on. Picture: Carl Recine

If the sight of Jack Grealish sashaying across the Wembley turf in an all-blue kit was a reminder of what could have been for the Republic of Ireland then the presence of Gareth Southgate in the home dugout was a pointer as to what could still be.

Like Stephen Kenny, Southgate was elevated from the role of U21 manager to that of big boss, in his case by way of a period as interim chief. The jury on Southgate's England is probably still in session, desirous of some weightier evidence before offering a verdict, but signs have been promising.