Irish International and Fulham midfielder Damien Duff admitted it was ''about time'' the Republic of Ireland booked their place in the finals of a major tournament after last night's 1-1 draw with Estonia sealed Giovanni Trapattoni's men their berth at Euro 2012.
Estonia skipper Konstantin Vassiljev's strike denied the Republic victory in their play-off second leg but few at the Aviva Stadium would have had any complaints as the home side wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win.
Stephen Ward had earlier set the hosts on their way with a close-range 31st-minute finish, and Fulham midfielder Duff felt the achievement was long overdue.
''It's an amazing feeling - it's probably even better than [reaching the World Cup in] 2002 because time is running out for a few of us, so I suppose you appreciate it more now,'' Duff said.
'It's brilliant and it's about time - 25 years since we've been to the Euros and 10 since we got to a major tournament.''