The Nations League has proved its worth, now Ireland are eager to do the same

Somewhere, buried in the darkest, dustiest corner of Abbottstown is a sad and forlorn looking trophy cabinet.

Blow off the cobwebs and open the creaking door and you won't find much.

There’s the Carling Nations Cup, which was hoisted aloft by Robbie Keane in a half-empty Aviva Stadium in 2011 and the Iceland Triangular Tournament from 1986, when Jack Charlton’s side took on Czechoslovakia and Iceland to win a mini-tournament that’s notable for Charlton’s first ever win as Ireland boss.

If you’re feeling particularly generous you could throw in the FIFA Fair Play Award from 1997 but that one was for the supporters rather than any on-pitch action so it’s a bit of a stretch.

All of which goes to illustrate the distinct lack of silverware in Ireland’s cabinet.

Not that the Boys in Green are alone in their barren trophy haul. After all there’s only one tournament every two years on offer in the shape of the World Cup and the European Championship and qualifying for those tournaments is a major achievement.

It’s a problem that UEFA set out to solve with the creation of the Nations League – give teams meaningful games and something to play for in the years when there’s no major tournament. Despite all the sniffiness and sarcasm surrounding the launch of the concept, it’s something that’s largely succeeded.

Ireland will go into their League B campaign with games against Ukraine, Scotland and Armenia with genuine stakes and jeopardy, and the prospect of eventually playing for promotion.

It certainly beats the almost traditional end of season friendly against Oman in an empty Lansdowne Road.

Starting away to Armenia on Saturday and with games home and away against Ukraine as well as a Dublin clash with Scotland in between, it’s going to be