Hughes hails battling display

Hartson played magnificently as the lone striker

Wales manager Mark Hughes hailed his Wales heroes after their battling 1-1 draw in Ukraine.

Mark Pembridge grabbed a 73rd-minute equaliser for Wales with a 30-yarder after Zubov had fired Ukraine ahead two minutes before the break.

Pembridge's goal meant that although Wales' bid to qualify for next year's World Cup finals is doomed, their fate will not be sealed until the final round of qualifiers in September.

Hughes said: "We are very disappointed not to have won the game.

I'm so pleased for my players because they are a great bunch of lads

  Mark Hughes

"My players gave an extraordinary performance, given it was the last game of a very long season."

Hughes pointed to a chance in the dying minutes, which saw Ryan Giggs strike the keeper's legs when clear, as the moment Wales might have snatched victory.

"Their keeper knew nothing about that," he said.

"Giggs struck a fine shot and it just hit him on the toe and bounced away. That was the sort of luck we had.

"We have come away three times now in four games in eastern Europe with draws.

They have all had very hard seasons so to see them produce a fighting display like that was very rewarding and pleasing

  Mark Hughes

"They have been very difficult matches and in the past maybe Wales sides would not have been able to do that.

"But I'm so pleased for my players because they are a great bunch of lads committed to doing their best for their country.

"In the past we have had great individuals in our teams but they have not always come together as a side.

"But my players have shown that they can achieve that. I can't praise them enough.

"They have all had very hard seasons so to see them produce a fighting display like that was very rewarding and pleasing."