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.

Photo: Action Images

Tractamatt added 22:51 - Nov 16 Please don't let him be injured
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garethch added 03:27 - Nov 17 Happy for Murphy! I'm sure Keane had little to do with it...well done Martin O'Neill 😉
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DurhamTownFan added 10:01 - Nov 17 'Wins penalty' is a little bit of an exaggeration! But I'm pleased that he played his part and might begin to feel like he's contributing, if not scoring. Wondering if he'll ever score for them..!
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Bergholtblue added 10:50 - Nov 17 Listened in on Radio 5 live and the commentator said that "Murphy had run his socks off". Hope he is going to be fit for Saturday.
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brian_a_mul added 12:34 - Nov 17 Im not sure, he hurt his ankle on Friday and carried it in to the game last night. Reports said he left pain at half time and was taken off to prevent further aggravation. He played his part and himself and Walters gave the Bosnian back line a torrid time. Well done Murph, you deserve your place at Euro 2016!!
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runningout added 13:42 - Nov 17 Headline sounds a bit naff.. Murphy didn't win the penalty. Walters has been playing for Stoke along time now, and couldn't give two monkeys about the club that rescued his football career :-)
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carsey added 14:43 - Nov 17 When I see players like Walters along with Delaney, McCauley and Rhodes I can't help but wonder where we could have been if Keane hadn't destroyed the club during his tenure. Ah well onwards and upwards.
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Seasider added 15:25 - Nov 17 Isn't it England,the North and South of Ireland,and Wales all through now.Pity about Scotland though.
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Fatboy added 16:22 - Nov 17 I'm sure no-one would begrudge Ireland a dodgy penalty decision after the scandal of the Thierry Henry handball last time round. Except maybe Bosnia, of course. PS @Seasider: I'm sure the Scots will be cheering on England with the rest of us!
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runningout added 10:23 - Nov 18 haha hehe
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