Martin O'Neill hails "fantastic" Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has hailed the "courage and determination" of his players after sealing their place at next summer's European Championship.

Jonathan Walters scored twice to give the Irish a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Dublin, and wrap up a 3-1 aggregate triumph in their Euro 2016 playoff.

While O'Neill admits that he does not have the best team in world football, he has praised the attitude of his squad and the displays that they have produced during the qualifying campaign.

"I couldn't be more proud of this team," BBC Sport quotes O'Neill as saying.

"They have been absolutely fantastic right from the start when Aiden McGeady scored to win 2-1 in our opening qualifier in Georgia. I thought then that the points could be crucial.

"I hold the players in the highest esteem. They don't have everything, but courage and determination are things they have in abundance."

Ireland will be playing in the third European Championship in their history.