It's 1981 all over again — but Ireland find themselves a world away now

Daunting back-to-back tests against the Dutch and French are not new to Irish football but the talent at Stephen Kenny's disposal is nothing like some predecessors 

MOMENT IN TIME: Republic of Ireland's Frank Stapleton celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team-mates Michael Robinson, 11, and Ronnie Whelan as France's Michel Platini, 10, looks on during the World Cup 1982 Qualifier at Lansdowne Road. Pic: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

We’ve been here before. Only here isn’t the same place as before.

As daunting as it seems having to play both France and the Netherlands back-to-back in qualification games for a major tournament, it is a scenario which Ireland has previously not just survived but thrived in.