Ireland reached a destination on Monday night which looked a distant dream a week previous. James McClean's goal, coupled with some help from the Scots and Slovenians, sent Martin O'Neill's side into the World Cup playoffs.
Following last month's disappointing results against Georgia and Serbia, getting to the playoffs had looked very unlikely. Here were are though, a month away from the first leg.
Monday's win saw an unleashing of emotion from the Ireland squad - just after McClean's goal and also the final whistle.
The draw for the playoffs takes place next week. At the moment, Denmark look like the most favourable opposition for Ireland to face. Whoever we get, it's not going to be an easy task.
On Monday night, the players were just enjoying the moment rather than thinking about the next step.
David Meyler
Seani Maguire
Aiden O'Brien
What a first trip to be involved in!!! Honoured!! Absolute scenes tonight.. goosebumps! @FAIreland #Coybig 🍀🙌🏼⚽️🎉
— AidenObrien🤷🏼♂️ (@AidenObrien22) October 9, 2017
Jon Walters
So you're saying there's a chance 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/A0oklIWcAm
— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) October 9, 2017
Callum O'Dowda
Wow. Well done to all the boys. What an atmosphere! All you Irish boys were amazing! #COYBIG 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
— Callum O'Dowda (@CallumODowda) October 9, 2017
Harry Arter
Shane Duffy
So proud off this squad! Great feeling tonight some shift from the lads, bring on the play offs now! Well done @JamesMcC_14 ☘️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/kEhjufvtgf
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) October 9, 2017
Cyrus Christie
Jeff Hendrick
Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
