SAMMY McIlroy smiled at one of the best achievements of his career after steering Morecambe into the Conference play-off final with Monday's 2-1 win over York City. The Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend lavished praise on his wonderful' players after their defied the odds to book their big day out at Wembley.

"It's a fantastic achievement for everyone," says the manager. "You have to enjoy moments like this. They are special.

"People often don't realise it. We have competed with bigger teams but little Morecambe are going to Wembley - and that is tremendous.

"My players have been wonderful all season. We have a great squad here and some of them have had to be patient but none of them have let me down."

McIlroy was full of praise for one of those back-up men Scott Davies. The young goalkeeper was thrown into the heat of battle just 20 minutes into Monday's game after Steven Drench suffered an horrific dislocated elbow as the Shrimps conceded an early penalty.

"Scotty stepped up to the mark - and I had full faith in him," adds the manager. "He is a good keeper but has had to be patient. I feel terribly sorry for Drenchy, it is a bad injury - but Scott did ever so well."