Wales manager Chris Coleman has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Swansea University after guiding the country to the last four of the Euro 2016 finals last summer in France.

Coleman and his side upset the odds to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship, memorably defeating Slovakia, Russia, Northern Ireland and Belgium along the way.

Wales' historic route to the semi-finals was ended by eventual winners Portugal in Lyon, but that has not prevented Coleman from being handed an honorary degree for guiding the national team to its greatest performance at an international tournament.

Wales manager Chris Coleman was delighted to pick up his honorary degree on Wednesday

Coleman was part of the degree ceremony for the College of Human and Health Sciences

Coleman was presented with the MSc (Master of Science) award on Wednesday at Swansea University's Great Hall by Mr Raymond Ciborowski, Registrar of Swansea University during the degree ceremony for the College of Human and Health Sciences.

On receiving his degree, Coleman said: 'I am delighted and honoured to have received this recognition from Swansea University. It means so much that the recognition comes from my home city.

'I accept this on behalf of all my family and friends who have helped me succeed in my chosen profession. Thank you.'

Mr Ciborowski said he was 'honoured' to present the Wales manager with his award, believing the former Fulham and Real Sociedad manager to be an inspiration to all Welshmen.

The 46-year-old poses with a scroll at Swansea University after accepting his honorary degree

Striker Hal Robson-Kanu scored a famous goal for Wales in the 3-1 win over Belgium in Lille

'Euro 2016 alone will secure Chris Coleman and his team a place in sporting history,' he said.

'Chris Coleman has indeed proved an inspiration for football fans and to all those who identify as Welsh; in Swansea, we can be particularly proud to call him one of our own. I am honoured to present to him this award.'

Wales were beaten at the quarter-final stage of the 1958 World Cup by Brazil, but they surpassed that stage at Euro 2016 in style with an unforgettable 3-1 win over Belgium in Lille.

Wales were one of the surprise packages of Euro 2016 along with fairy-tale minnows Iceland

Coleman will stay on at Wales for at least the remainder of the World Cup qualifying campaign

Coleman was linked with becoming the new Swansea manager last month, after Bob Bradley was sacked just 11 games into his tenure but the manager's wife, TV presenter Charlotte, ruled out the move on Twitter.

The former defender boss was offered the chance to triple his salary with a £1.5million contract at his boyhood club for whom he made nearly 200 appearances, but he now stays on to oversee the remainder of Wales' 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.