Republic of Ireland have jumped 11 places in the FIFA world rankings and are now just one place behind Northern Ireland.
The play-off victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina has lifted Martin O’Neill’s men to 31 in the standings, above the likes of USA, Ghana, Sweden and Poland.
Belgium remain at the top, ahead of Argentina, while England stay ninth.
World Cup qualification opponents Wales are 17th, with Scotland plummeting to 52nd.
