We come up big when it matters, says Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill will head into 2017 confident that the Republic of Ireland's dreams are safe in the hands of a new generation of national heroes.

Ireland end the current year sitting proudly at the top of World Cup qualification Group D ahead of Serbia and Wales and having enhanced their reputation with a more than creditable showing at the Euro 2016 finals, where they emerged from the group stage courtesy of a famous victory over Italy.