EURO 2016: How Twitter reacted to Northern Ireland's win over Ukraine

Goals from Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn sealed a stellar 2-0 victory in Lyon.

It is Northern Ireland’s first-ever appearance at a European Championship, and their first triumph at a major finals since the World Cup in Spain 34 years ago.

Twitter exploded into a carousel of plaudits for Michael O’Neill’s side.

Belfast’s former world champion boxer Wayne McCullough tweeted: “Fantastic result @northernireland!!! #NIR #GAWA #DareToDream”.

The sentiment was echoed by another boxing world champion from these shores, with Carl Frampton – currently training for next month’s mega-fight with Leo Santa Cruz – adding: “Proudest man in London #GAWA #NIR”.

Former Northern Ireland midfielder Sammy Clingan ‏said: “Class result for the boys today and buzzin for my good friend @nmcginn10 on his goal well done lad #EURO2016”.

Another former international star Grant McCann said on his Twitter account: “Be aware the #GAWA are coming for ya... Proud as punch”, while Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler tweeted: “Brilliant norn iron..... Didn’t see it but superb stuff”.

Former England striker and BBC presenter Gary Lineker offered his praise by tweeting: “Well played Northern Ireland. A phenomenal victory. Brilliant!” and former Welsh midfielder and BBC pundit Robbie Savage said “Go on Northern Ireland”.