THE LATEST FIFA rankings have seen the Republic of Ireland move up to 20th in the world.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s team have yet to play in this calendar year as the upcoming friendly with the Czech Republic will be their first action, but nevertheless, have jumped three places since last month according to the world football governing body.
It is their highest position since August 2005, when Brian Kerr’s reign was nearing an end.
One of Ireland’s opponents in Euro 2012, Spain, remain top and are closely followed by Germany and the Netherlands. England are fifth, while Wales move to 42nd, Scotland stay at 48th, and Northern Ireland climb one place to 86th.
New AFCON champions Zambia, meanwhile, leap 28 places up to 43rd.
