BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Corry Evans admitted Northern Ireland were left 'gutted and exhausted' after losing 2-0 in Romania which ended their 100 per cent record in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Following memorable away victories at Hungary and Greece, Michael O'Neill's side could not hang on for another point on their travels after two late goals from Paul Papp.

"Everybody in the dressing room was absolutely gutted and exhausted," said Evans. "We gave our all but it just wasn't good enough against the best team in the group.

"Yes, they put us under a lot of pressure and we were forced on the back foot for large parts of the match, but I honestly believed we were going to hold out for draw and a great point.

"All the players are shattered. It's terrible when you put so much effort in and don't come away with anything. We're all very disappointed. It's very hard to take but that's football."

Despite defeat, Northern Ireland remain in second place in Group F and Evans remains upbeat.

"We weren't at our best and that's disappointing because we came into this game with so much confidence," he added. "But we shouldn't be too downhearted on ourselves. We still have nine points from four games and that is terrific.

"It would have been so nice to build on our excellent wins because I really do believe we can play better.

"We should be proud of ourselves because I don't think we could have ever envisaged that we'd have nine points after four games.

"We're disappointed but not too downhearted."

With captain Steven Davies injured, Evans a rare chance to play in his favoured central position in a team that included Reading's Burnley-born Oliver Norwood who played the full 90 minutes.

"I thought I did alright in the centre - I got the ball, tried to shut up their number 10, as that was the role I was asked to do, and at times I think I did that."