Denmark 1992 and Portugal 2016, not so different yet viewed differently

In 1992, Denmark achieved the seemingly impossible - they won Euro 92 in Sweden, a tournament they hadn't even qualified for and were only competing in by virtue of Yugoslavia's enforced withdrawal. In 2016, Portugal achieved the highly unlikely – they won Euro 2016 after finishing third during the group stage and ensured that France failed to win a major tournament which they were hosting for the first time since the 1960 European Nations Cup.

For Extratime.ie: Keane feels best is yet to come from McCarthy

Roy Keane believes that James McCarthy's second half performance in the 1-1 draw with Poland in March is proof that his best is yet to come in a green shirt – but has told critics to lay-off the 24 year old.

For Extratime.ie: Maloney singled out for praise by Strachan

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan singled out Shaun Maloney for special praise after the 32 year old midfielder once again proved to be a thorn in the side of the Republic of Ireland, playing a key role in helping the Scots earn a point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium.

For Extratime.ie: McClean reveals O'Neill instruction - "Just don't get beat."

James McClean has revealed Martin O'Neill's very specific instruction on what to do differently against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium this weekend following November's 1-0 defeat to the same opposition: “Just don't get beat.” 

For Extratime.ie: If pressure's a problem, you're in the wrong game

Roy Keane has insisted that the players in the Republic of Ireland squad won't buckle in the face of expectation when they take to the Aviva Stadium pitch for this weekend's crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland – and added: “If pressure's a problem to you, then you're in the wrong game.” 

For Extratime.ie: Strachan insists he doesn't know how to play for a draw

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan insists he wouldn't know how to play for a draw even if he wanted to – and has said that he already knows what his starting XI will be for Saturday's massive Euro 2016 qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. 

For Extratime.ie: Brady ready to build on England performance

Martin O'Neill's experiment of converting Robbie Brady from winger to left-back at international level is set to undergo its sternest examination yet when Scotland travel to Dublin for a make or break Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday. 

For Extratime.ie: Pearce delighted to secure future ahead of Euro 2016 qualifier

Alex Pearce is delighted to have finalised where he will be playing club football next season, with Derby County’s latest signing keen now to focus on the upcoming crunch Euro 2016 Qualifier against Scotland. 

For Extratime.ie: Brady a genuine option at left-back

At the start of this long international week, Martin O'Neill spoke of the many big decisions he had to make around team selection for this Sunday's massive Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland – with Hull City winger Robbie Brady at the heart of a potentially match-changing decision. 

For Extratime.ie: Strachan happy with ref; O'Neill not so much

Gordon Strachan said he was happy with the performance of Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli during Scotland's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, despite the official and his team missing Jonathan Walters occupying an offside position in the build-up to the home side's goal. 

For Extratime.ie: Martin O'Neill - It's important for the nation

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has not shied away from the enormity of this weekend's Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland, saying: “It's important for the nation.”