German magazine praises Irish football fans and calls our qualification for Euro 2016 a "godsend"

“Dear Football god, never again have a tournament without Ireland.”

A German magazine has heaped praise on Irish football fans, saying that Ireland's qualification for Euro 2016 was a "godsend".

Following the Paris attacks last weekend, German soccer mag 11Freunde claimed it was a “stroke of good fortune” that Ireland beat the Bosnians to go through.

The author of the article Alex Raack insisted that at a time of such sadness, "we cannot afford to allow fear to run our lives."

Raack said that Ireland could lift the "oppressive" atmosphere in France, which is vital in fighting the terrorist attacks.

He said: “The joy with which we look at life cannot be stopped, the celebrations, dancing, singing.”

“Celebrations, dancing, singing - who can do these better than the Irish, who on Monday qualified for Euro 2016.

“The qualification of the Irish is a godsend. The Boys in Green can celebrate like no other nation, always peaceful, always sympathetic and emphatic, with an infectious, childlike joy.

The article also referred to Ireland's celebrations following the 2-0 win over Bosnia, and in particular the Boys in Green's kit man.

Football Association of Ireland/Vimeo

Raack added: “Joy is what we need, joy of life, just as shown with the kit manager of the Irish, a stocky 60-year-old guy named Dick Redmond, who after winning against Bosnia bounced like a rubber ball in a Superman costume.”

The article ended with “Dear Football god, never again have a tournament without Ireland.”

Sunderland's John O'Shea dreading going to Euro 2016 as a Championship player

Defender has the finals in France to look forward to with Ireland next summer but will spend the months in-between battling relegation

I want to stay up and party: O'Shea (right) faces a long fight against the drop before the Euros

John O'Shea fears his ­European Championship dream will be wrecked if Sunderlandget relegated.

Black Cats captain O'Shea helped the Republic of Ireland qualify for next summer’s finals in France after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-offs.

However, the 34-year-old defender admits his Euro 2016 experience will be soured if Sam Allardyce’s side fail to beat the drop in the preceding weeks.

He said: “Our campaign started two years ago and to finally get there is extra sweet. It’s great for the country and we look forward to the draw. But everyone has to put that on the back burner now and concentrate on their club form.

“I want to go the Euros having had a good season, with Sunderland staying up. We’ve managed to do it the last few years and hopefully we can do it again.”

Sunderland’s survival hopes were boosted by Monday’s win at Crystal Palace , where a late goal by Jermain Defoe earned three vital points.

Allardyce admits ex-England international Defoe could be sold in January to raise funds for new signings, but O’Shea is backing the 33-year-old and his strike partner Steven Fletcher to fire Sunderland to safety.

He added: “We know what he can do in front of goal and hopefully we can get him and Fletch on the pitch together more often because we know they’ll cause teams problems.

Ian Horrocks

Happy Monday: Match-winner Defoe salutes the travelling fans after beating Palace

“The manager is trying to find a system where he can accommodate them both.

“It’s what kept us up last season, keeping clean sheets but knowing you have a threat at the other end.”

Defoe, who is nursing an ankle knock, has started just two of the five games since Allardyce took over at the Stadium of Light last month.

He tops the Sunderland scoring charts with seven goals, and insists he won’t sulk if he is left out against Stoke on Saturday.

In pictures — Crystal Palace 0-1 Sunderland:

VIEW GALLERY

“The manager has been in the game long enough to know in certain games you may need to change personnel, not just me but the rest of the lads,” said Defoe.

“You have to be ready when called upon, it is as simple as that. As forwards you get judged on goals. It’s a pressure I have always enjoyed.

“When I get my chance I take it, like I have always done. I wont sulk in training. If I do that I am only harming myself. When I get the opportunity I am ready.”