Shane Long’s heroics have sent Ireland soaring up the Fifa rankings to highest place since 2012

COYBIG!

As if we needed another reason to revisit Ireland's German giantkilling last month, Shane Long's goal has played a vital role in Ireland's lofty, new place in the Fifa rankings. Martin O'Neill's side now reside in 42nd spot, 12 places higher than they did last month and in their highest position since 2012. The move sees Ireland leapfrog the likes of Sweden, Scotland and Iran to break the top fifty for the first time since Martin O'Neill took over as manager two years ago. Our progress is nothing like that of our brothers to the North, though, who have breached the top thirty for the first time in their history thanks to six wins from 10 qualifying games, en route to their first qualification for a tournament since the 1986 World Cup. Watch out, Tunisia. We're coming for you!