Lawrie Sanchez has enjoyed success as N Ireland manager
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Northern Ireland have moved up 14 places to 33rd in the latest Fifa world rankings, equalling their highest ever placing from 1994.
Lawrie Sanchez's team top their Euro 2008 qualifying group after victories over Liechtenstein and Sweden.
The Republic of Ireland are up 20 places to 31st, England are down two to eighth, Scotland are down three to 19th and Wales up three to 74th.
Italy returned to top spot followed by Argentina and Brazil.
Northern Ireland had their lowest ever ranking of 124th when Sanchez took over as manager in January 2004.
The jump of 91 places is testament to the improvement in results under his reign.
The new Fulham boss said in February that his aim was to take Northern Ireland into the top 40 in the rankings.