IRELAND REMAIN 61ST in the latest Fifa world rankings, nestled between Egypt and Zambia.
Martin O’Neill’s side suffered their first competitive defeat against Scotland this month but bounced back to beat the USA and finish the year on a positive note.
The top six remain unchanged with world champions Germany first ahead of Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Brazil.
Scotland are up one place to 36th while Ireland’s other Euro 2016 rivals Poland and Georgia are in 40th and 126th respectively.
England climb seven places to 13th following their 100% start to qualification, Wales are unchanged at 34th, and Northern Ireland are down four to 47th on the back of their 2-0 defeat in Romania.
