'We gave everything we could' - McKenna on Norway loss

McKenna started and played 90 minutes in both legs of the 7-0 aggregate play-off defeat against Norway

Northern Ireland defender Rebecca McKenna said her side showed their "togetherness" in the 3-0 defeat by Norway in the second leg of their Euro 2025 play-off.

Goals from Caroline Graham Hansen, Frida Maanum and Synne Jensen completed a 7-0 aggregate win for hosts after their 4-0 victory in the first leg in Larne.

And despite another loss which ended hopes of reaching back-to-back European Championships, McKenna said it was a valiant performance.

"We knew it was going to be difficult coming here after the home result, but I can't be prouder of the group," she told BBC Sport NI.

"I think, especially first half, we gave everything we could and that is all you can ask for."

Tanya Oxtoby's side had to suffer a Norway onslaught in the first half and through a number of superb blocks and good saves from Jackie Burns, they came in at half-time only a goal behind after some great skill from Graham Hansen.

"Tonight showed our togetherness, they were a great side, they're some of the best players in the world and we put our bodies on the line," added McKenna.

"We had nothing to lose and we wanted to come out and put a performance on and I think we did that."

The Birmingham City defender was also pleased with Northern Ireland's composure on the ball as they fashioned some half chances after neat passages of play.

"Tanya put a lot of faith in us coming into this game which gave us confidence and that showed. We played some really nice football compared to the first leg and we were a lot happier with that."

McKenna believed their display at the Ullevaal Stadium was the positive end to a year in which they have made great strides with results and performances.

"We've had massive progress; we have grown as a group through this year and hopefully 2025 can bring a lot more good memories for us," she said.

NI 'excellent in and out of possession'

Boss Oxtoby echoed McKenna's sentiments in expressing her satisfaction with her side's defensive effort against some of the best players in the world.

"We knew they would have controlled possession, and we tried to limit them in the spaces they had but our box defending was exceptional and that was something we worked on," she explained.

"I'm really pleased with our organisation and our willingness and want not to concede. You have a team of top players in Norway, and I thought we matched them for periods."

She was also delighted that Northern Ireland showed the "bravery" on the ball that she had asked for in the second leg.

"We asked them to stretch themselves and I thought they were excellent tonight in and out of possession," added Oxtoby.

"We played the way we have been trying to develop against a really good Norway side, so I'm really proud."