The young Blues defender and his Irish team-mates needed a victory against Norway but they also needed Serbia and Montenegro to do them a favour by beating host nation Belgium.
The Ireland youngsters did their bit with a comprehensive 3-0 win but Belgium also won 1-0 and it will be they that travels to the European Championships Finals in Switzerland in July.
Painter, for the third game in succession, played for the full ninety minutes at the heart of the Irish defence.Have Your Say At The Messageboard