The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have both made significant leaps up the latest Fifa world rankings after recent wins during their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Steve Staunton's men rose 20 places to 31st after they beat Wales and Slovakia in their Croke Park double-header in Group D.

Lawrie Sanchez's charges north of the border moved up 14 places to 33 ^rdfollowing their most recent 2-1 win over Sweden at Windsor Park to top Group F.

Elsewhere England slipped two places to eighth and have been overtaken by The Netherlands and Portugal respectively after their goalless qualifier in Israel and labouring victory against Andorra.

Scotland, joint leaders in Group B, dropped three places to 19 ^thafter they beat Georgia but lost away to World Champions Italy while Wales are up three to 74 ^th.

Italy regained top spot from Argentina after their Scotland and Georgia wins.

Northern Ireland, whose manager is also the new boss at Premiership strugglers Fulham until the end of the season, are now ahead of nations such as; Chile (37), Bulgaria (38), Australia (43) and Norway (49).