Aaron Hughes showed he loves a battle tonight – but his efforts ended in defeat.
The Albion defender produced some sterling work at the back for Northern Ireland as they came under heavy pressure in Bucharest.
But a double strike from home full-back Paul Papp in the final 17 minutes sent the Irish to a 2-0 defeat.
It was their first setback to date in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign but one from which Hughes is sure they can bounce back.
He said: “When you come to these places you expect it to be difficult.
“We are still in a good position. It's by no means devastating. We just need to learn from a few things and keep going.
Tonight's Northern Ireland line-up
Hughes’ involvement had been in some doubt after he suffered an ankle injury playing for the Seagulls at Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
But he showed no ill effects and produced several key clearances and interventions as the hosts poured forward.
Albion need him at full fitness as they prepare to visit Norwich City next Saturday without suspended centre-back Lewis Dunk.
Paddy McCourt also travelled to Bucharest but did not come off the bench.
Gordon Greer was an unused sub for Scotland as they beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0.
Ali Al-Habsi produced some fine saves for Oman as they enjoyed a creditable 0-0 draw with holders United Arab Emirates to open their Gulf Cup campaign.
Original article
The Albion defender produced some sterling work at the back for Northern Ireland as they came under heavy pressure in Bucharest.
But a double strike from home full-back Paul Papp in the final 17 minutes sent the Irish to a 2-0 defeat.
It was their first setback to date in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign but one from which Hughes is sure they can bounce back.
He said: “When you come to these places you expect it to be difficult.
“We are still in a good position. It's by no means devastating. We just need to learn from a few things and keep going.
Tonight's Northern Ireland line-up
Hughes’ involvement had been in some doubt after he suffered an ankle injury playing for the Seagulls at Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
But he showed no ill effects and produced several key clearances and interventions as the hosts poured forward.
Albion need him at full fitness as they prepare to visit Norwich City next Saturday without suspended centre-back Lewis Dunk.
Paddy McCourt also travelled to Bucharest but did not come off the bench.
Gordon Greer was an unused sub for Scotland as they beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0.
Ali Al-Habsi produced some fine saves for Oman as they enjoyed a creditable 0-0 draw with holders United Arab Emirates to open their Gulf Cup campaign.
- Hughes shines in the battle - but it all ends in disappointment for the Irish
- Chicksen goes out on loan
- Albion's Rea hoping for international debut
- Hughes has no regrets as he fights to win place in Albion side
- Wright commits to Sussex for next four years
Original article