The Republic of Ireland have slipped six places to 38th in the latest Fifa world rankings released today.

Steve Staunton's side drew both games of their recent US friendly tour against Ecuador and Bolivia respectively.

The slide allows Northern Ireland leapfrog the Republic once again.

Staunton's team were one place ahead of their Northern rivals last month but Nigel Worthington's side improve four places to 29th despite not having played since March.

The Republic's highest ranking was sixth spot in December 1992 while their lowest was 57th in November 1998.

England remain in eight position this month, Scotland drop nine places to 23rd while Wales remain in 75th.

World champions Italy remain top while France have overtaken Brazil to go second. Argentina are down to fifth and behind Germany who now occupy their highest position in four years.