Euro 2016: Green and White Army '˜the best fans in the world'

Household names such as James Nesbitt and Carl Frampton have been pictured partying on the streets of Lyon with the all-singing, all-dancing fans, while Rory McIlroy was making his way to Paris for Tuesday night’s clash with Germany.

Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland hero Keith Gillespie was even filmed ‘crowd surfing’ above the heads of boisterous fans following the historic 2-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday.

David Campbell – who made his full international debut when Northern Ireland played Brazil at the Mexico 1986 World Cup – is with the travelling fans in Paris he describes as a credit to their country.

“The Northern Ireland fans must be ranked as the best in the tournament – they have to be. There is no way that any group of fans, anywhere in the world, can match the Northern Irish fans,” he said.

“As an ex-pro, I now really appreciate what it must have been like in 1982 and 1986 for the fans, but I think this has gone up a whole new level, in terms of the volume, and the number of fans, and they’re all so friendly.

“Seeing now from the fans’ perspective, you just feel so proud.”

One English sports reporter said he felt deflated when he realised he had been assigned to cover the Northern Ireland v Ukraine game for the Dream Team FC website.

“But I have unequivocally been made to eat my words,” he said.

“To think they’re actually on the verge of reaching the knockout stages is incredible but the Northern Irish have really underlined why this tournament transcends football.

“The 48 hours I spent with Northern Ireland fans in Lyon might be the most intensely ludicrous and entertaining of my entire life.

“Because I learnt Northern Ireland fans are a special breed. Among the hordes of travelling supporters who made their way over from Belfast there’s a real, genuine sense of identity.”

Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis tweeted ahead of the Ukraine match: “Another amazing opportunity. Feeling incredible confident! Whoever is going or wherever you are your support is what set us apart!”

Defender Conor McLaughlin tweeted afterwards: “The lads and fans were unbelievable today! Proved a few people wrong already. Absolute scenes.”