Darren Randolph described reaching the European Championship finals as “unbelievable” following the Republic of Ireland's play-off triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Dublin last night.

Following the 1-1 away draw in the first leg in Zenica, the West Ham goalkeeper kept a clean sheet as two Jonathan Walters goals saw Martin O’Neill’s side complete a 3-1 aggregate triumph to secure their place in the finals in France next year.

The Hammers’ website reported the 28-year-old's post-match reaction when he said: “It’s unbelievable. I don’t think I could have written the script better myself.

“I didn’t see it ending with me playing but thankfully I’ve got to play some games and we’re through and that’s all that matters.”

Randolph got his chance after replacing the injured Shay Given in Ireland’s vital 1-0 home victory over Germany last month.

He also played the full 90 minutes in Friday’s first leg when Robbie Brady’s late goal was cancelled out by Edin Dzeko.