Heimir Hallgrímsson: 'I hope we can look back saying these players started something special for Irish football'

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 Hungary for second spot.

HUNGARY, WHAT'S THE SCORE?: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson celebrates. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrímsson hailed his 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.