NORTHERN IRELAND have soared 28 places in the FIFA world rankings to 43 after a superb start to their qualifying campaign yielded three victories.
And Ireland have risen one place to 61 following the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Germany.
Martin O’Neill’s side routed Gibraltar 7-0 at Lansdowne Road on October 11 before earning a late 1-1 draw against world champions Germany in Gelsenkirchen.
Germany still occupy top spot in the rankings despite their draw against Ireland and their earlier loss to Poland, while beaten World Cup finalists Argentina are second in the FIFA list.
Of Ireland’s other Euro 2016 Group D rivals, Scotland are 37, Poland are 44 and Georgia are 117.
