Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Ward has insisted that luck had no part to play in his team's draw with Germany on Tuesday.

Ireland gave their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 a boost in Gelsenkirchen as a late equaliser from John O'Shea saw them come away with a point.

Despite leaving it until the dying minutes to score, Ward believes that the visitors were worthy of a share of the spoils.

"Let's not be silly, we are coming to the world champions here. Most people outside would have expected them to win comfortably," he told RTE. "But we showed that fighting spirit that we have and to get a point is great.

"I'm hoping people don't say we were lucky because you have to make your own luck and defend well and work hard as a team."

Ireland are back in qualifying action on November 14 when they travel to Scotland.