BLACKBURN Rovers centre-back Shane Duffy produced a superb performance as Republic of Ireland sealed their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2016 with a famous 1-0 win over Italy in Lille.

Duffy was one of four changes made by Martin O’Neill after being an unused substitute in Ireland’s first two Group E games.

The 24-year-old was making his major tournament debut and winning what was only his fourth cap.

But Duffy belied his inexperience at international level to turn in an immense display which he nearly capped with a first-half headed goal.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Instead it was Robbie Brady who proved to be Ireland’s last-gasp match-winner as he headed in a wonderful 85th-minute cross from his Norwich City team-mate Wes Hoolahan, who moments earlier had wasted a glorious opportunity.

Brady’s goal ensured O’Neill’s side finished behind group winners Italy and second-placed Belgium, who beat Sweden 1-0 in Nice, and as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Ireland will now face hosts France in the last 16 in Lyon on Sunday (2pm).

Northern Ireland, whose squad features Rovers midfielder Corry Evans, will take on Wales in Paris on Saturday (5pm), having sealed their passage through to the knockout stages on Wednesday night.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The round of 16 draw in full: Switzerland v Poland (Saturday, 2pm), Wales v Northern Ireland (Saturday, 5pm), Croatia v Portugal (Saturday, 8pm), France v Republic of Ireland (Sunday, 2pm), Germany v Slovakia (Sunday, 5pm), Hungary v Belgium (Sunday, 8pm), Italy v Spain (Monday, 5pm), England v Iceland (Monday, 8pm).