Coleman delight at qualifying for Euros

O’Neill also praised the players who had made it to Euro 2016.

John Walters was the toast of Lansdowne Road as his brace against Bosnia-Herzegovina in a 2-0 victory fired Ireland to next summer’s European Championship Finals in France.

That cash injection, which will help to boost the sport in the Republic in terms of its infrastructure, will strengthen O’Neill’s hand when it comes to renegotiating his contract at the start of next year. It was one of those moments – it was something I wanted all my life. I’m sorry, I’m not William Wordsworth or William Shakespeare, so I can’t find another word at the moment.

“He was the driving force of the team and when you are winning leagues and big cups and you have a driving force like that, I’m sorry but you can be classed as nothing else but world-class”.

The Republic of Ireland join fellow United Kingdom sides England, Wales and Northern Ireland at next year’s continental competition.

The midfielder was in the Ireland squad that went to Euro 2012 but only played a peripheral role. Players do need time on the field. But they went with it and Irish football is the victor because for Martin his CV just goes on and it is brilliant for him. I feel sorry for the fans. We’ve had a group of players who have worked their socks off and given everything for their country.

You know you’re being too negative when Roy Keane suggests you should lighten up. I don’t think they had anything left to give.

“I thought the Germany night last month was just wonderful, but I think it was eclipsed tonight. Hopefully we can give whoever we play a good game”.

Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1.

“But for Roy, it is not a rehabilitation, but it is him stamping his authority as a No 2, putting little things that end up being big things to a group of young players that are emerging and have had the benefit of all his expertise and experience”.

The LA Galaxy striker said: “Listen, we got lucky, certainly, with the penalty”. They always are. This is something to look forward to. Shay Given, the goalkeeper for both games against Estonia, seemed to have reclaimed the starting spot under O’Neill until he was injured against Germany. The winners and runners-up in each group will qualify for the knockout phase as well as the four best third-place sides – effectively meaning that only eight teams will be eliminated in the group phase.