Explain himself publicly, blasts Ward

through injury, was desperate to play his part in a major victory that would have seen Northern Ireland qualify for their first World Cup since Mexico 1986.

Bitterly disappointed Ward was left to console his devastated team-mates who were extremely emotional after the game, many realising this was their last opportunity to play in a World Cup.

“I’m very proud of the team, and we’ve had a great four years,” admitted Ward. “We always leave our heart and soul on the pitch. We were asked to do that. It was 90 minutes where we tried to score and unfortunately we didn’t win the game. We are heartbroken, we are gutted and at the moment there is a great deal of emotion.

“It’s not nice seeing your teammates, players you have been close to for a long time, in tears. Grown men crying was hard to take and you don’t see that very often.”

Ward may continue his Northern Ireland career in the Nations Cup next year but there are decisions to be made on the international futures of Gareth McAuley, Chris Brunt and Aaron Hughes.

And he is confident international retirements will be kept to a minimum.

“We’ll definitely stick together,” stated Ward. “We’ve got a lot of grit and determination.

“We’ve all got to stick together. As long as the majority of the squad sticks together and the manager stays then I think we’ll be fine.”