Liam Boyce was Northern Ireland’s penalty hero as he stayed cool to fire them into a Euro 2020 play-off final date with Slovakia.
The Hearts striker came off the bench as Ian Baraclough’s men drew 1-1 with Bosnia.
Rade Krunic put the josts ahead after only 13 minutes, but Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn fired the visitors level just ten minutes later to restore parity.
Boyce came off the bench in the dying minutes along with ex-Hearts teammate Conor Washington specifically for penalties as Baraclough threw on his specialists.
Washington held his nerve from 12 yards, as did another former Tynecastle front man Kye Lafferty yards after Leeds United’s Stuart Dallas had got things off to a positive start.
‘Keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell saved from Haris Hajradinovic and Edin Visca hit the bar, leaving Boyce with the chance to win the match and send his nation through.
He didn’t disappoint, sending Ibrahim Sehic the wrong way to spark jubilant scenes of celebration amongst his teammates.
“We were desperate to get the ball out of play to get Boycie and Conor on the pitch,’ said the manager.
‘We had a game plan, something we’ve spoken about and worked on. Who are the best penalty takers and confident stepping up.”
Northern Ireland now face Slovakia in a winner takes all encounter next month for a place at Euro 2020 next summer.
The Slovaks are in Scotland after their semi-final victory over the Republic of Ireland, as they face Steve Clarke’s side in this season’s Nations League group stage campaign.
Michael Smith is also with Boyce on international duty but didn't make last night's squad.
