O’Neill’s incredible 2016

Michael O’Neill toasted a “fantastic” 2016 which saw his Northern Ireland side reach the knockout stages in their first-ever European Championship.

After topping their Euro 2016 qualifying group, Northern Ireland made the last 16 in France, thanks largely to a 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lyon.

However, their run came to an end when Gareth McAuley’s own-goal handed Wales a 1-0 victory – with Chris Coleman’s side going on to make the semi-finals.

Having had a world ranking as low as 129th in 2012, O’Neill reflected on a terrific year which saw them place a record-high 25th back in June.

“It was a fantastic year for us and everything we could have asked for,” O’Neill told Sky Sports. “It will live long in the memory for me and for a lot of Northern Ireland fans as well.

“The whole build-up was fantastic for the players, the recognition they had and what it meant to everyone around the country.

“The atmosphere while it was going on is something everyone will cherish and even now, when I’m back in Belfast, people still come up and thank you for the best summer they’ve ever had.”

Northern Ireland finished third in their Euros group, with victory over Ukraine coming between 1-0 losses to both Poland and Germany.

However, like eventual champions Portugal, O’Neill’s men benefited from the new format which saw the four best third-placed …

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