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Republic of Ireland's Roy Keane recalls Saipan after qualifying for Euro 2016

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane celebrated qualifying for Euro 2016 by referencing one of his darkest days in the game at the 2002 World Cup.

Ireland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Dublin on Monday night to secure a 3-1 aggregate win and a place in the finals in France next summer, though the last time Keane travelled to a tournament with his national team it ended in disgrace.

Keane had a huge row with then-Ireland manager Mick McCarthy at the training base in Japan 13 years ago, furious at perceived inadequate facilities and poor preparation, which resulted in the midfielder quitting the squad before a ball had been kicked.

Questioned by Irish broadcaster RTE after the Irish booked their ticket to Euro 2016, Keane said: "We've been down this road before. As long as we're not in Saipan, we'll be alright.

"I think tonight is just for the players to enjoy it, reflect on it over the next few days."

Boss Martin O'Neill praised Keane for his influence after being appointed alongside him to replace Giovanni Trapattoni after the failure to make the World Cup two years ago.

"Bringing Roy Keane in is as good a decision as I've made in quite some time," he said. "He's been absolutely enormous for us. He's not taking too many of the accolades, but he's been fantastic for us, for myself, the backroom staff and the players.

"I couldn't be more proud, they're a fantastic bunch of players. They have put heart and soul into the games, they've carried us through matches when maybe we've missed that piece of absolute genius.

"That moment when the referee blows the whistle and you're in France, it's very special and so special because it means so much to so many people. It's the nights that you live for."