Proud - NI leave Euros with heads held high

Despite the cruel manner of their defeat against Wales, Northern Ireland leave France proud of their performances and their fans.

Captain Steven Davis described it as "a cruel way to lose", but added "I think whenever we take a step back from it, we'll be proud of everything we've achieved.

"We gave our all today, I think we were a little bit unlucky not to get the result, but sometimes that happens in football," he said.

Goalkeeper Michael McGovern believed his team had the better of the chances and handled the threat of Wales' best players, including Gareth Bale, very well.

He said no blame could be attached to Gareth McAuley for the own goal.

McGovern decribed the tournament as "the best experience of my career by far", particularly praising the contribution of the fans who he described as "the best at the tournament".

Manager Michael O'Neill admitted the result was hard to take, but said he was proud of his players.

He also defended Gareth McAuley, who he described as a "fantastic player" and said he had no choice but to go for the ball.

'Proud' was a word that was on the lips of the players, management and fans alike.

What the supporters felt, was clearly reciprocated by the players.