North of Ireland (h) - November 15th

you know what I mean. This lot are a spineless bunch. Surely there's one of them can ask MON what in the f**k they're supposed to be doing? I suppose it's just modern footballers really. Dopey uneducated f*ckers living in a bubble. 

Not for the league of Ireland. I can't understand why more people, in Dublin anyway, don't go and see their nearest team if they like football. It's an excuse to get p*ssed and the football is WAY better than what you see in Lansdowne (from us). 

I agree, i was just referring to the majority of the national side. Better marketing and a bit of financial support would be great. There’s actually a huge opportunity for the LoI if the FAI can pull its finger out

Scotland are terrible in defence and a bit toothless up front, but they have a reasonable midfield and technically superior creative players. Their two best players are both left-backs, which it's a bit unfortunate for them. We are both at the same level, they have just been reinvigorated by playing in a group they had a genuine shot at winning. You also have to remember that their last NL game was considered the worst performance in their history. They certainly have more reasons to be upbeat, but they too have a poor manager past his sell by date, albeit he at least has an interest. They beat a truly awful Albania last night, helped by a ridiculous red card and a soft penalty. When we drop down to their level and get an interested manager, we will probably get similar results.

Northern Ireland did look better than us, the main difference being they had a competent midfielder who wanted to get hold of the ball and make those around them tick. That is something we desperately need.They also struggled to score again and, like us, I doubt they will be at the Euros, will probably lose their MON and reliant on two competent and committed midfielders. Their under 21 results are something for them to be confident about, but I have a feeling this 'golden age' is coming to an end for them.

We are, overall, three very average teams with mediocre players, Scotland having the most talented group technically, but severely lacking a decent central defender. They are the only ones with a hope of playing in the Euros.

1. Ireland/Scotland

2. Wales

3. NI

In terms of top talent:

1. Wales

2. Ireland

3. Scotland

4. NI

The fact that NI are last in both facets yet can outplay us puts paid to O'Neill's excuse that "we don't have the players". The truth is that none of us really "have the players", we're all lacking in certain departments, yet with the right management those deficiencies can be overcome and allow you to maximise your potential.

Yeah, I’d agree with all that. O’Neill’s inability to coach and get the best out of what he actually has, rather than moan about what he doesn’t have, is the most frustrating part of his tenure. Trap was frustrating, but you could never say he wasn’t giving clear instruction and guidance.

O’Neill is just rolling the dice at this stage, hoping that something sticks, because he’s totally exhausted his coaching ability. Literally playing half a team out of position to accommodate a formation that doesn’t work is the sign of a desperate man.