Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington would not fault his players after their 2-1 loss to Serbia on Friday evening.
Second half goals from Marko Pantelic and Zoran Tosic overturned the half-time advantage that Gareth McAuley’s header had earned Worthington’s side in Belgrade.
The result sees them drop to second from bottom of Euro 2012 qualifying Group C, though Slovenia’s defeat at home to Italy means they remain in contention for second place.
Serbia came back strong after the break, aided by substitutions and an upping of their tempo, but Worthington was happy with the commitment and effort shown by his men, for whom Friday’s game was their first defeat in the group.
"The players were fantastic - we looked controlled, assured, composed and passed the ball well in the first 45 minutes so were delighted at half-time,” the former Norwich City boss was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
"Serbia changed their formation and threw the kitchen sink at us - some legs started to go and we had injuries.
"But I can't fault our effort, quality and commitment," said Worthington.
"The players deserve all the credit - everyone gave everything they had.”
The manager reserved praise for teenager Jonny Gorman, the Wolves teenager who was thrown in for his competitive debut in a surprise midfield selection.
He added: "Some people questioned my decision to play Jonny Gorman but he more than held his own for most of the match.
"We knew we had to start in a solid manner and build from there but don't underestimate how good Serbia are - they have quality players and showed that in this game.
"Picking the players up for the game against Slovenia on Tuesday shouldn't be a problem but we must get people fit and assess where we are at - it will be a battle again.”