Celtic defender Liam Scales rose high in the air to win a header in the dying minutes against Hungary in Budapest. He wins the header Troy Parrot gets his boot to the ball its 3-2 and a nation celebrates. Parrot the Hatrick hero. The win follows a 2-0 win in Dublin on Thursday over Portugal. Parrot on target twice.

No one gave Ireland a hope before Thursday. We needed 6 points and that is what we got. Portugal have topped the group with a 9-1 home win over Armenia. Ireland finish second with 10 points and now we can look forward to the World Cup Play Offs in March. The draw takes place on Thursday.

It was also an afternoon that Johnny Kenny won’t forget. Called into the squad late after 4 goals in 4 games for Celtic. He comes off the bench and has a great chance to score but the goalkeeper pulled off a great save. Offside also denied former Celt Adam Idah a goal.

Tears of joy are flowing into pints from Budapest to Belfast and beyond. The Irish World Cup dream is still alive. COYBIG

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast