IT is hard to recall many better weeks for the home nations and the Republic of Ireland.

The expansion of the European Championship, which will feature 24 teams instead of 16 at the 2016 finals in France, has given hope to the likes of Northern Ireland and Wales – and so far they have responded impressively.

From my own experience as Northern Ireland manager, I know they have very few Premier League players to choose from.

But their 2-0 win in Greece, three days after beating Faroe Islands by the same scoreline, means they top Group F with a 100 per cent record after three games.

Wales lead their group after beating Cyprus while Eire are still unbeaten after putting seven past Gibraltar before their last-minute equaliser away to world champions Germany.

Scotland’s win against Georgia and draw in Poland, as well as England’s two wins, completed a marvellous week.

Critics will argue increasing the numbers weakens the standard and San Marino spring to mind as the poorest team in Europe.

But more opportunities for the likes of Northern Ireland – captained by Saints’ Steve Davis – to go beyond the qualifying stage gives a lift to not only players and staff but the whole country. And that’s a good thing.