Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill hailed the Dundalk team as “phenomenal” after their 3-0 win over BATE Borisov at Tallaght Stadium last night.

O’Neill visited the Dundalk dressing-room to congratulate the Irish champions on reaching the play-off round of the Champions League.

He described captain Stephen O’Donnell as “inspirational” and the result as “one of the best in Irish history”.

The Lilywhites will find out their play-off opponents on Friday.