Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman was delighted after his side qualified for the 2016 European Championship, following their 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last night.

The Green Army, who were held to a 1-1 draw in the playoff first leg at the weekend, secured their qualification to the continental tournament in France, courtesy of Jonathan Walters' brace at the Aviva Stadium.




And the Everton full-back feels securing qualification to the 2016 European Championship is now his best experience in an Ireland shirt.

“You grow up wanting to be in these tournaments and now I can’t wait”, he told Everton’s official site.
 


“From day one, we’ve all believed we can get there. We have had a few difficult moments along the way but what a feeling now – I haven’t experienced anything like that playing for my country.

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“In the changing room, when the manager spoke to us, it was an amazing feeling. When you are long gone and retired, these are the moments that you will remember.”

Coleman, who was not part of Ireland’s 2012 European Championship squad, is however, keen to make up for the disappointment this time.

“I was so disappointed to miss out on the last one [tournament], although I have no complaints about not being there”, he added.

“Hopefully I will be in the 23 when we go there [to Euro 2016]. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Coleman, who joined Everton from Sligo Rovers in 2008, has thus far amassed 194 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside club, scoring 19 times.

The right-back also has 30 caps for Ireland to his name, but is yet to score on the international stage.