Scotland surge up FIFA rankings to 29th

Steven Fletcher celebrates a goal during Scotland's 6-1 win over Gibraltar. Picture: John Devlin

The Scots have been propelled into the top 30 after wins over Gibraltar and Northern Ireland, and have overtaken Euro 2016 Group D rivals Poland, who have dropped down one spot to 35th.

Although some way short of their highest FIFA ranking of 13th - achieved in October 2007 - the Scots have come a long way since falling to 72nd in November 2012.

England remain the highest-ranked of the other home nations, rising three places to 14th, while Wales have surged 15 places up to 22nd, their highest ranking, following their 3-0 victory over Israel.

Northern Ireland crept up one spot to 42nd, taking them ahead of Serbia (44th), Israel (46) and Slovenia (47th).

The Republic of Ireland have risen four spots to 62nd, just ahead of Australia in 63rd and Peru on 64th.

World champions Germany have held onto the top spot, while the rest of the top 10 is made up of Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Portugal, Uruguay, Switzerland and Spain.

The nation with the largest drop down the rankings was New Caledonia, which fell 23 places from 151st to 174th while the best mover was Bhutan, up 46 places to 163rd.

Scotland’s Group D opponents Georgia are in 138th, down 12 places while Gibraltar are not recognised by FIFA and therefore don’t feature.