Niall Kelly reports from Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw

IRISH CHANCES WERE few and far between, so it’s no surprise that Richard Keogh was left wondering what might have been.

Robert Lewandowski’s goal shortly before half-time proved to be decisive as Poland beat Ireland 2-1 and booked their place at next summer’s European Championships.

A 2-2 draw would have seen the Boys in Green through to France in their place, and their best chance of an equaliser fell to Keogh nine minutes from time.

The Derby County defender hit the target with his header from Aiden McGeady’s cross but Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski was equal to the effort.

“Aiden did well and it’s just come to me,” a disappointed Keogh explained afterwards.

“I just tried to head it down towards the goalie. He made a decent save but I obviously should score.

I should have gone to the other corner but I just wanted to make sure I hit the target.

Ireland must now wait until next Sunday to discover who they will face in the two-legged playoff.

And having let automatic qualification slip through their fingers, Keogh believes this team will be ready to seize their second chance.

“It’s obviously disappointing,” he said.

I thought in the second half we played very well. We faced a confident team in the first half. It was a bit of an even game and they just took their chances.

“I thought we were bit unfortunate tonight but we’ve got another chance in the play-offs and you can be sure that come November we’ll be ready.

He added: “We’ll go away, dust ourselves down, and get ready for November.”

Lewandowski sends Ireland to the playoffs after chaotic night in Warsaw