Paul Cook has claimed that he could not "ask any more" from his Wigan Athletic players as their FA Cup run came to an end at the quarter-final stage.
The 2013 winners beat Premier League champions-elect Manchester City in the previous round and were dreaming of a return to Wembley Stadium.
However, the Latics' journey came to an end as Southampton ran out 2-0 winners at the DW Stadium, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares grabbing the goals for the Saints.
"You can't ask any more from your players," Cook told BBC Sport at full time. "The first half we were excellent.
"We expected that response from Southampton and we wish them well in the semi-finals. We were playing some great players and in the end their quality came through.
"The goalkeeper (Christian Walton) was outstanding. He works very hard and gets his rewards. I'd like to see Noel Hunt's chance again. That felt like a key moment and most of those seemed to go to Southampton today."
Wigan return to League One action on Wednesday night with a trip to Walsall.
Giuseppe Labellarte
