Updated at 23.29
- Paul Fennessy reports from Lyon
A DISAPPOINTED ROBBIE Brady paid tribute to the management team of Roy Keane and Martin O’Neill as Ireland bowed out of Euro 2016 following a 2-1 second-round loss to France on Sunday.
The Dubliner also summed up the mood of a nation, when he said of Euro 2016 that he’s “sad now that it’s finished”.
The Norwich star added: “It’s been almost a two-year process now, some massive ups and for it to finish tonight is very disappointing.”
Brady also agreed with teammate Seamus Coleman that fatigue played a big part in Ireland’s failure to hold on to a 1-0 half-time advantage.
Maybe some tiredness kicked in, in the second half, not only in the legs, maybe in the mind, a couple of tired decisions and then we found ourselves 2-1 behind to a good French team and down to 10 men.
“I don’t know, (I’m) just proud to be a part of it and proud of everyone that gave their all throughout the tournament. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Ireland stunned the hosts by winning and scoring a penalty inside two minutes of the game, and Brady was the man to step up and take responsibility for the spot kick. And by scoring it, he became the first-ever Irish player to score twice at the Euros.
“Shane with a bit of clever play managed to get a penalty and I managed to put it away,” the 24-year-old recalled. “We put ourselves in a good position but, I’m very sad.
We always had belief that we were a good team. Obviously there were some disappointing results throughout the qualifying stages but to show the guts and determination to come back and push through and then to come here and play against some of the best teams in the world and really show that we deserve to be here was extremely pleasing for me anyway.
“But I think there’s positives to be taken from this tournament going on now to the World Cup.”
And finally, how important is it for Martin O’Neill and the management team to sign a new contract?
I think it’s very important. I think they’ve installed something into the team, installed belief and having us organised and wanting us to play a certain way and I think that’s shown here.
“To lock horns with some of the best teams in the world and give more than a good account of ourselves is a great credit to ourselves and the staff. I’ll be delighted if they manage to get it done.”
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