Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill praised his side's belif in draw with Poland

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill praised his side’s second-half performance as Shane Long’s late strike rescued a crucial point against Poland.

The Southampton striker cancelled out Slawomir Peszko’s first-half strike as the Irish stayed within three points of top spot in Group D of the European Qualifiers.

And O’Neill, whose side have now scored late goals against Georgia, Germany and Poland, praised his side’s character and wants them to keep believing they have what it takes to reach the European Championships

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"I am absolutely delighted with them, I thought our second-half performance was outstanding. We put Poland right on the back foot," Ireland boss O'Neill told Sky Sports.

"We deserved a draw and had there been a few more minutes in the game, we could have won it. We certainly had Poland back pedalling.

"It is important to keep the belief and I know the players will give absolutely everything for the cause.

“We scored late goals in Georgia, we scored late in Germany and we scored a late goal here. That says a huge amount about the character of the team. 

“There might be a few other things missing but we certainly have character."

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O’Neill believes Long’s late goal will be vital to his side’s qualification hopes as they look ahead to a huge qualifier in June against Scotland, who sit two points ahead in Group D.

And the Republic of Ireland boss thinks his side must beat Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in the summer if they are to have a chance of qualification.

“It’s a very important goal,” O’Neill added.

“It keeps it alive but it’s difficult. We’ve got a huge match against Scotland coming up.

“We probably have to win it but if show the same ability, commitment, drive and determination as we showed in the second-half there’s no reason why can’t do that.”