GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI’S REPUBLIC of Ireland remain 18th in the latest Word Rankings released by FIFA.

The side have not played since the 1-1 draw against Czech Republic in March, and so remain in their previous position level on points with Switzerland.

Elsewhere, England remain 7th, Northern Ireland are stuck at 100, Wales stay in 41st position and Scotland are still 48th.

World champion Spain remain Number 1 ahead of Germany and Uruguay, followed by the Netherlands and Portugal.

As far as Ireland’s other Euro 2012 opponents are concerned, Italy sit in 12th position, while Croatia remain 8th.

The only change among the top 10 in the May rankings is Argentina swapping places with Denmark to occupy spot Number 9.

Only eight international matches, all of which were frendlies, were played last month as national championships are ending in many countries.

FIFA expects more changes during May as more frendlies are played in the lead up to the European Championship next month and another round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Euro 2012 runs from June 8 to July 1.

Additional reporting: Paul Fennessy

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