Ireland’s Jonathan Walters (right) moves past Ognjen Vranjes, of Bosnia, at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland beat Bosnia 2-0 to qualify for their second successive European championship finals last night, progressing 3-1 on aggregate after a Jon Walters brace secured a second-leg play-off win at the Aviva Stadium.

Walters, back from suspension, converted a penalty in the first half before adding a second 20 minutes from time.

The Stoke striker told Sky Sports 1: “The whole team on the pitch are heroes. We got there in the end, we did it the hard way, but we got there.

“You’ve got to take it in because these moments don’t come round often in a career.”

Asked about the contribution of manager Martin O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane, Walters said: “They’ve been excellent through the whole campaign.”

O’Neill’s side began the brighter and led after Daryl Murphy’s cross struck Ervin Zukanovic on the arm and Walters slotted the harshly awarded penalty past his former Stoke City team-mate Asmir Begovic to the delight of the raucous full house.

Bosnia, hoping to reach a second major tournament as an independent nation following last year’s World Cup, began to find their feet late in the first half and that momentum continued after the break.

But they only had a snatched Senad Lulic chance to show for it as Walters arrived at the back post to coolly finish a deflected free-kick from Robbie Brady, Ireland’s scorer in the first leg.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. We played really well. We got the (first) goal and we defended really well,” defender Robert Keogh said.

“For me to play for my country means the world to me. I’ve stepped up to the plate. I’m going to enjoy it.”

West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph has not been first-choice goalkeeper throughout the qualifying campaign, but said he would savour the moment after helping his country make it to France.

“It’s unbelievable. We’re through and that’s all that matters,” he said.

Ireland, unbeaten at home in the group stages, join fellow play-off winners Hungary at France 2016 while the final two spots will be decided tonight when Sweden travel to Denmark and Ukraine play away to Slovenia, both defending first leg leads.

Second legs

Played yesterday
Ireland vs Bosnia - 2-0 (Ireland through 3-1on aggregate)

Today – 20.45
Denmark vs Sweden (1st leg: 1-2)
Slovenia vs Ukraine(1st leg: 0-2)

Played on Sunday
Hungary vs Norway - 2-1 (Hungary through 3-1 on aggregate)