Ireland advance to Euro 2016 with 2-0 win over Bosnia

He then latched on to Brady’s deflected free-kick 20 minutes from time to ensure the Republic qualified for consecutive European Finals for the first time in their history.

Martin O’Neill has admitted taking the Republic of Ireland to Euro 2016 “means so much” and is “one of the most special moments” of his career.

“But don’t be writing these (older) boys off. They have contributed over the campaign and I don’t want to be writing them off because I don’t think they will be giving up their places easily; they will be feeling that they can still get in the team for France”.

Recruited at considerable expense, Ireland’s coaching duo struggled to fire up the side early on in qualification but Ireland became an increasingly hard opponents, epitomised in Monday’s 2-0 victory that secured a 3-1 win on aggregate.

“If they hold me in any sort of regard, it’s minuscule by the comparison to the esteem I hold them in – they’ve been fantastic”. “They might lack a few things, but fight and courage until the end they possess in abundance”.

A goal in each half from Stoke City forward Jon Walters was the difference between the sides on the night, but O’Neill praised his side’s efforts over the whole campaign, not least since they were nearly written off in June when they could only draw 1-1 with Scotland in Dublin.

Keane was quick to poke fun at himself when asked how Ireland could improve on their previous dismal showing at a European Championship finals tournament.

Jonathan Walters was enormous for us tonight – two very important goals – but also the back four and Darren Randolph; we were put under vast pressure but the boys stood up very well, like we did in Bosnia.

“I’m not sure how many people would have expected us to get out of this group, so if we get a tough one – which we will – in the summer, we’ll have to hopefully try to surprise one or two people”. Where would the club be now if they kept him?

The fact we’re going to EURO 2016 is unbelievable.

“If I’m lucky enough to play I’ll always put a shift in and always try to get myself into the right position to score, and it’s come off”.

“I think it would be terrific if we could do it but I have to be very, very mindful of the fact that we are a long, long way away from doing that”, the former Celtic boss continued.

It was a very special moment when the referee blew the whistle and we were in France.

I must take my hat off to Martin O’Neill because has done a big job in the last week to get us over the line.