Ireland have qualified for a play-off in the European championships after defeating Armenia 2-1 in the final game of the qualifying rounds.

Russia claimed the automatic place after easily defeating Andorra.

Ireland's task was made much easier by the sending off of the Armenian goalkeeper in the first half and shortly afterwards an own goal.

Richard Dunne, pictured, put Ireland further ahead but Armenia replied instantly with a goal.

Ireland lost Kevn Doyle to a red card in the 80th minute.

Armenia, despite having only ten men, outplayed Ireland for long periods but Ireland will not care having got the vital scores that put them into a playoff.