IRISH MIDFIELDER Keith Andrews admits Ireland were simply outclassed by the world champions tonight.

The Boys in Green were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Spain, ending their hopes of progressing from Euro 2012′s Group C.

“For the vast majority of the night we were chasing shadows, we couldn’t get near them,” said Andrews.

“They were just a fantastic side but it’s just so bitterly disappointing. You can hear the fans, they’re an absolute credit to their country and the team and unfortunately we haven’t been able to give them what they deserve.

Asked by RTÉ’s Tony O’Donoghue, if the Irish once again made the job more difficult for themselves with slack defending similar to that in the defeat to Croatia, Andrews said:  ”We tried. We tried. We said before the game let’s learn out lessons.

“But we went out and shot ourselves in the foot again, silly goals. We didn’t learn but in fairness they’re just such a top team. Any lapse in concentration and they’re going to hurt you.”

In pictures: Trap’s Army invades Gdansk ahead of Spanish showdown