Hallgrimsson's Ireland rise from early turmoil to play-off berth

Back-to-back wins over the top seeds in the space of three days contributed to what the manager predicted as the miracle necessary to usurp the Magyars for second spot

PLAY OFF: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher celebrate their last ditch win in Budapest. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrimsson hailed by Irish heroes, hoping their Budapest bombshell can reverberate for an age.

Troy Parrott’s hat-trick against Hungary completed an epic turnaround in the World Cup qualifying group for the Icelander and his team, sealing entry into Thursday’s draw for the playoffs.