NIGEL Clough was "immensely proud" of his players after they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
The Brewers manager said: "It was all over in the first game but City still came and put a strong side out and we gave as good as we got from the first to the last.
"We gave everything, caused them problems and could have had a goal easily on a few occasions. They had a few opportunities which you would expect but the spirit and character we showed tonight was absolutely brilliant.
"Our energy and closing down was good and we got a foot in and a tackle in tonight which we didn't in the first game and it makes it a little bit more even.
"It was a good cup tie and forget the first game, if that was a one off tonight it would have been an excellent cup tie and one that was in the balance until right at the end.
"The first tie killed it but we can't do any more than we did tonight.
"The young players will get a lot from just being on the same pitch as their players and should remember it for the rest of their lives.
"It has been a brilliant experience for us and it was great seeing our lads out there having a real go."