Although the Celts didn't come out on top, they certainly gave their all and came so close progressing to the next round of the competition.

“Obviously we weren’t perfect, especially in the first half you could see some players were maybe a little bit nervous because of the occasion and a stadium with many people supporting the opposition,” he explained.

“But I thought after that we settled into the game. It’s a shame that they scored so early and, again, we made a couple of mistakes. We conceded a goal from distance that we should not have conceded.

“But then we came back in a fantastic manner, and I think we had many chances, including one cleared off the line.

“We had so many chances to put the game to bed, but then we went into extra time and there were so many players with tired legs.

‘Still the performance makes me really proud, because they gave me their all.’

“It’s sad that they don’t have a smile on their faces and get the reward that I feel they deserve, but I told them they should feel very proud of themselves and their team-mates.

“I think it’s been a good game of football, and we were very good, but unfortunately we didn’t get through. It’s a shame, but pride is the feeling.”

Howeve, the busy schedule doesn’t stop for the Hoops as they welcome Hearts to the Excelsior Stadium this coming Wednesday (September 13).

Fran Alonso insists that the squad will now pick themselves up ahead of their return to action as they aim to maintain their 100 per cent start to the SWPL campaign.

The Celtic boss also praised the supporters, with a number turning out once again in Norway to cheer on the Ghirls.

He said: “I thought the team was playing fantastic football – that is why before today we had won six games from six.

“This is our first defeat of the season against an incredible side and it was on penalties. Over the last two games in Oslo, I thought the level has increased even more.

“Now we need to pick ourselves up because on Wednesday we have to go again. Obviously there is going to be a lot of tired legs because the game lasts 120 minutes.

“We have a couple of injuries that we will need to assess as well. So, it’s not going to be easy but we need to pick ourselves up.

'We need to feel the pride. The pride of a good performance, and the fans once again - they were incredible.’

“It was the opposition's stadium and all we could hear is our fans singing because I think we were on top for long spells of the game.

“I feel proud for the fans, and for the players. I am just gutted for both.”

Fran Alonso: I am incredibly proud of the players after Euro efforts