Villa and Wolves stars guide Republic through

Aston Villa keeper Shay Given hailed Ireland's historic moment after the Republic sealed their Euro 2012 place with a 1-1 Estonia draw.

Wolves' Stephen Ward bagged Ireland's goal last night and, despite conceding a leveller in Dublin, the party began as the men in green went through 5-1 on aggregate.

Given said: "It's a historic moment. It's been a long 16 months but we're extremely happy obviously. We deserved it and we'll celebrate for sure."

Given admitted it was a strange night given his side's huge advantage from the first leg. "It was a little bit, and for the crowd, because we were four goals ahead from the first leg and then five in the first half," he said. "But we're just going to enjoy the atmosphere. I think the lads deserve it, it's been a long road, and we'll look forward to next summer."

Former Wolves ace Robbie Keane, whose two goals in the first leg helped to put the tie beyond the Estonians, added that it was an special moment to seal qualification in Dublin. "Look at the crowd here – I think that says it all," said Keane before jubilant scenes in the stands. "It's a great night for everyone – the fans, the players – it's a night that we'll never forget.Full credit to everyone who's involved in the squad. This is why we play football, for situations like this."

Villa defender Richard Dunne added: "It's the best experience I've probably had in football. We've walked around Lansdowne Road a few times with nothing to show for it at the end of campaigns, so to qualify here I think is special for everyone.

"Everybody wants to play in a major tournament and now to have the opportunity is going to be great, but I think for everyone in the squad it's about enjoying qualification."

Goalscorer Ward added: "It's a great night. We're disappointed not to win the game but if you told us we'd have won 5-1 and qualified...It's a dream come true and we're absolutely delighted."