article_snippet: But two wins from two home games - 1-0 against the Republic of Ireland and 6-1 against Gibraltar on Sunday - have left Gordon Strachan's side third, good enough for a play-off spot as it stands but just a point off the lead.
article_snippet: It's been an excellent campaign for Ireland so far, with four wins out of five putting them second to Romania in Group F. Michael O'Neill's side have exceeded all expectations, starting off with a 2-1 win over Hungary in Budapest thanks to late goals from Niall McGinn and Kyle Lafferty.
article_snippet: Ireland are just one point behind leaders Romania in Group F at the mid-way point .
article_snippet: Encouragingly for Ireland, there is a gap of eight points between themselves and Finland in fourth, so there really is little excuse not to make it into the top three from here.
highlights_snippet: Northern Ireland have claimed four wins from five so far .