DUNDALK saw their push for Paradise end in Norway as Rosenborg scraped through in extra-time to meet Celtic in the next stage of the Champions League qualifying.
Irish boss Stephen Kenny was gutted after seeing his side blow an early lead, but said: “That’s the ruthless nature of it.
”My players have shown in Europe over the past two seasons that they are very consistent.
“They have gone toe-to-toe with all the top teams and there has never been more than a goal in it. That speaks volumes.
“I can’t compliment the players highly enough for their efforts; putting their bodies on the line, for their desire to pass the ball and to be brave.
“They were brilliant in that regard.”
But for the second successive game, Dundalk conceded an equaliser in the 43rd minute and it ultimately knocked them for six in the second-half.
They went behind in the first period of extra-time although Ciaran Kilduff thumped a shot against the crossbar shortly afterwards.
Former Dunfermline gaffer Kenny added: “Rosenborg are a very good team with a lot of international players and great pedigree.
“But over the two legs we were unfortunate to go out. To go through wouldn’t have flattered us, even though at times Rosenborg had us pinned in during the second-half.
“We are disappointed, very, very disappointed. We know the ruthless nature of it.
“Over 180 minutes there is nothing to separate the teams. Just the goal in extra-time and we hit the bar, that’s it.”
