Republic of Ireland's Superman leads celebrations

Amid the euphoric scenes of celebration inside the Republic of Ireland's dressing room after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to qualify for UEFA EURO 2016, the victorious players received a special visit from intergalactic hero Superman.

"I'm 60 and I'm going to France," the Man of Steel declared, with his arms held out to the sides and fists clenched in triumph. Following a brief, incredulous pause, the Lost Son of Krypton – aka Irish kit manager Dick Redmond – was doused in champagne as the reverie continued with chants of "olé olé olé".

A superhuman effort by Ireland to overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in Monday night's play-off second-leg may have left the Boys in Green physically shattered, yet their spirits soared in the realisation a trip to France had been sealed after a long and often dramatic campaign.

Coach Martin O'Neill spoke to UEFA.com about his memories of tense encounters and last-gasp goals that earned crucial points against Georgia, Poland and away to Germany.

There was also the pride of beating the world champions in Ireland's last home game before Bosnia and Herzegovina's visit to Dublin. "This is very special; it's special for the team and for the nation," O'Neill said. His players – and Superman – were in full agreement.