Town striker Daryl Murphy won a controversial penalty which was netted by former Blues skipper Jon Walters, who scored again in the second half, as the Republic of Ireland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Dublin and 3-1 on aggregate to seal their place at next summer’s European Championships in France.
Murphy retained his place in the starting line-up for the second leg despite missing training yesterday with a calf problem and helped set Ireland on their way to victory when Ervin Zukanović was somewhat harshly adjudged to have handled his cross inside the area.
Walters, recalled having missed Friday's first leg in Zenica due to suspension, confidently beat ex-Blues loan keeper Asmir Begovic from the spot.
Murphy, who was winning his 19th full cap, was replaced by Shane Long 10 minutes into the second half and on 70 Walters added the second when Robbie Brady’s freekick deflected to him at the far post and the Stoke striker smashed home off the inside of the post to secure qualification for the side managed by Martin O'Neill and ex-Town boss Roy Keane.