VIDEO: Jon Walters: You always have to believe; it was never going to be straightforward

Ireland’s match-winner Jonathan Walters admitted Euro qualification proved the doubters wrong.

In keeping with the pattern of his career, the Stoke City striker revelled in adversity to send the country of his mother’s birth to next year’s finals in France.

Only five months ago, Ireland were staring at elimination when trailing the front three in Group D but a late rally, including victory over the world champions, aided their passage to a second successive showpiece.