UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino has revealed that Ireland's supporters will be presented with a special award to recognise their positive contribution to Euro 2012.

Despite watching Ireland finish as the tournament's worst team after losing all three of their group games against Croatia, Spain and Italy, supporters of Giovanni Trapattoni's side remained a colourful and vocal presence throughout the tournament.

And their behaviour in Poland, where Ireland's three Group C games took place, has been commended by European football's governing body after the supporters also received high praise from the Polish press, public and authorities.

UEFA chief Infantino said: "The executive committee has decided to give a special award to the Irish football fans.

"Everyone was very impressed by the fans of the national team of the Republic of Ireland who came to Poland. The team's results were mitigated by the fans. (UEFA) president (Michel) Platini will go to Ireland to give the award."

One person left unimpressed by the Ireland fans during Euro 2012 was former captain Roy Keane, who said:  “I think the players and even the supporters, they all have to change their mentality, it’s just nonsense from players speaking after the games about how great the supporters are.

“Listen, the supporters want to see the team doing a lot better and not giving daft goals away like that. I’m not too happy with all that nonsense. To praise the supporters for sake of it … Let’s change that attitude towards Irish supporters.

“They want to see the team winning = let’s not kid ourselves, we’re a small country, we’re up against it, but let’s not just go along for the sing-song every now and again.”

However, Keane's comments were pooh-poohed by Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief John Delaney, who praised the supporters.

"The Irish fans have made many sacrifices to follow our squad and have been absolutely amazing,” Delaney said.“The abiding memory that we will take away from this match will be the many thousands of Irish fans singing the ‘Fields of Athenry’ right up to and beyond the final whistle.

"They are a credit to the game and to our country. On behalf of the FAI, the squad and management team I would like to thank them for their incredible support.”