Irish get heroes' welcome

Mick McCarthy signs autographs at Dublin Airport

Hundreds of fans waited through the night to greet the Republic of Ireland's World Cup heroes at Dublin Airport.

The Irish plane touched down just before dawn following a seven-hour fight from their play-off triumph in Tehran.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given was the number one target of the back-slappers who filled the arrivals hall.

Given repeated his heroics of Saturday's first leg by again defying the Iran's strikers to cement Ireland's place in the finals next summer.

"These fans are incredible," said Given.

"That's why I was just delighted to play well again.

Shay Given seems almost overwhelmed

"After twice losing before in major play-offs we just had to get through this time and now we're going to the World Cup.

"There's no better feeling but we've worked hard for this and I think it is only what we and the fans have deserved."

Irish boss Mick McCarthy was also mobbed by the home fans.

An emotional McCarthy was almost lost for words immediately after Thursday's game.

On his return to Dublin, he revealed that he had been applauded by the Irish players when he eventually made it back to the dressing-room.

"I should have been with them earlier because this was their moment but I was ambushed for an interview before I could join them.

"We've come a long way and had to get over the disappointment of not finishing top of our qualifying group and getting to the finals automatically.

"Now we've lost the very last match and I'm not happy about that - but I guess we'll accept it because of all the joy of going through.

"It was great to get to the World Cup as a player for Ireland in 1990 but it feels even better as a manager."

Jason McAteer starred in Ireland's campaign

McCarthy's wife Fiona and other members of his family met him with hugs at Dublin Airport in the small hours and he said:

"I'm delighted for everyone - the players, the fans, the Football Association of Ireland and also my family.

"My life has been put on hold with these qualifiers," added the Republic boss.

McCarthy and the FAI are set to open talks about a new contract for him soon after the World Cup draw takes place in Korea on 1 December.

His current agreement runs until February but there is every indication from both sides that that he'll be given a fresh two-year deal.

Iran's late, late goal inflicted Ireland's first defeat in a competitive international for more than two years.

It was also the first time the Irish had failed to score in a competitive match since the 1-0 defeat in December 1999 to Croatia, then managed by Iranian boss Miroslav Blazevic.