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Roy Keane emotion shows magnitude of Ireland win, says Clinton Morrison

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Former Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison reacts to a famous win

Roy Keane's emotional reaction to Republic of Ireland's win over Italy shows the magnitude of their achievement, according to Clinton Morrison.

Robbie Brady sent Ireland into the last 16 of Euro 2016 after netting a dramatic late winner to beat Italy 1-0.

Needing a win to qualify from Group E, Ireland looked to be running out of ideas against group winners Italy, but Brady popped up with five minutes to go, heading home a Wes Hoolahan cross.

The goal sparked emotional scenes on and off the pitch as manager Martin O'Neill and his assistant Keane led Ireland to the last-16 of a European Championship for the first time in their history.

"Even Roy Keane was emotional, for Keane to have tears in his eyes - you know it is special," former Ireland striker Morrison told Sky Sports News HQ.

Robbie Brady celebrates at full-time
Image: Brady celebrates at full-time after the win over Italy

"You have to give special credit to Martin O'Neill and Keane, they made a lot of bold changes tonight, and it paid off.

"I know, playing for Ireland, I know what they are feeling. I remember it in 2002 [at the World Cup], the fans are unbelievable, they drove the boys home.

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"It's a great achievement, because this group that Ireland were in, nobody gave them a chance to get out of it, they were probably the weakest team in there.

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Brady
Image: Brady headed home from a Wes Hoolahan cross

"After the drubbing we got from Belgium, we responded tonight. It's going to be party time tonight.

"It was gutsy, it was determination, they chased everything like it was going to be the last game they played in football.

"From back to front, all the players that came in worked hard. The one bit of quality we did have - Wes Hoolahan created it and Robbie Brady finished it. It's unbelievable."

Ireland's players celebrate
Image: Ireland's players celebrate after Brady's late winner

The win sets up a last-16 clash with France, one of the tournament favourties, on Sunday, but Morrison thinks Ireland's spirit gives them a chance of upsetting the odds. 

"I think you've got to go and enjoy it," he said. 

"France will be favourites, they are one of the favourites to win the competition, so you've got to go out there and enjoy it.

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The Republic of Ireland fans celebrate Robbie Brady's late winner at the Dublin Fan Zone

"They have to show the heart and determination, and you never know in football.

"There are a lot of teams with individuals who play for themselves, but when you've got teams like Iceland and Ireland who have a collective group and stick together, they try to aim to do the right thing." 

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