Gareth McAuley says he’s looking to the future with considerable optimism despite watching his Northern Ireland side crash out of the European Under-19 Championship.
A 2-0 defeat to Norway at Seaview ended the hosts’ journey in the tournament as they are rooted to the bottom of Group A.
Daniel Braut grabbed a brace on a wet night in north Belfast and only the woodwork prevented him from inflicting further damage.
Northern Ireland were held to a scoreless draw by Ukraine before losing 3-0 to Italy in their previous games at Inver Park.
Although they were unable to progress to the Semi-Finals, McAuley’s young guns showed plenty of fight.
They came up against some of the best young sides in Europe and will look back on this tournament as a valuable learning experience.
“For the players it’s been an unbelievable experience and journey over the last year towards this,” said the former Northern Ireland defender.
“Twelve of them are a year young and able to go again, it puts us in a really position for November. That, for me, is very heartening and seeing them grow into the tournament as well was heartening.
“We talked about the first game and whether we applied ourselves or whether we were caught in the headlights at times.
“We knew Italy would be a tough game but we had good spells in that match.”
The impressive Braut scored in each half and was unfortunate not to bag four goals.
Luis Pimenta’s side finish third in the group behind the top two, defending champions Italy and Ukraine.
Ukraine sealed their place in the last four with a 3-2 victory over Italy at Inver Park.
“Here tonight we were good in patches, we grew into it and were more of a threat going forward,” added McAuley, who is embracing his first senior managerial role.
“For spells in the first half we were very good. The young players have been excellent. Jack Doherty has been superb; Conor Barr was also excellent in the tournament.
“The journey has come to an end for them at the minute but in a few months’ time 50 or 60 per cent of the squad will go again.”
Northern Ireland: Charles, Barr, Thompson (Evans 63), Briggs, Lennon, Graham (Smith 77), Stitt, J Doherty (Morrison 71), Atcheson, Glenfield (Trickett 77), A Doherty.
Subs not used: Munn, Goodman, Hamilton, McCallion.
Norway: Børsheim, Loftesnes-Bjune, Andresen (Auklend 90), Holten, Vatne Haram, Helland (Røsten 90), Hernes (Steinset 86), Faraas (Kilen 66), Granaas, Bang-Kittilsen (Austbø 66), Brau.
Subs not used: Østraat, Gonstad, Røsten, Hammer Kjelsen, Pedersen.
Referee: Sander van der Eijk (Netherlands)
Man of the Match: Daniel Braut
Match Rating: 6/10