Liam Boyce insists Northern Ireland can look ahead with some optimism despite being relegated in the Nations League.
Ian Baraclough's side finished the campaign as they started it, with a 1-1 draw against Romania.
They were on course for a first win when Boyce forced home the opening goal in the 56th minute.
But Eric Bicfalvi struck in the 81st minute and make it 10 games without a victory for Northern Ireland.
Their relegation from League B had been confirmed prior to kick-off after UEFA announced that Romania had been awarded three points for their cancelled match against Norway on Sunday.
It means when the Nations League returns in two years' time, Northern Ireland will find themselves in League C facing the likes of Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Georgia.
But with the 2022 World Cup qualifiers kicking off next March, Hearts striker Boyce says the team can glean some positives to take into that campaign.
"I am disappointed we didn't get the result, but it was a positive performance for most of the game and is something to build on," Boyce said.
"We will take that on to March and hopefully get a good start when the new qualifiers begin."
One bonus for Boyce was his second international goal, the Hearts striker sliding in to force home Michael Smith's curling cross.
"We had set-pieces set up before and it was something we drew up at half-time. And you couldn't have written it any better," he added.
"To be fair, it was an unreal ball from Mick and I just had to run in and touch it in."
He added: "Personally, I didn't think the first half was my best performance, but I was grateful to get a goal after the break."
Romania equalised nine minutes from time when Florin Tanase got away from Daniel Ballard on the left and pulled the ball back for Bicfalvi to turn in at the near post and deflate Northern Ireland once again.
"Romania started putting a bit of pressure on us in the second half and finally it tolled near the end," Boyce added.
"We made a lot of changes and changed the formation, and things become more scrappy. Romania did well, they changed their formation and kept attacking and probing.
"Eventually they broke through and it was a good finish."
