Former Nancy player and France legend Michel Platini has praised his former side's courage after they secured the 2006 Coupe de la Ligue against Nice at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The Lorraine club came into the final on the back of a 6-0 thrashing from Marseille last weekend and started the match as underdogs.

But they were too good for Nice, securing their first-ever Coupe de la Ligue trophy with a 2-1 win despite having a man sent off.

Monsef Zerka fired Nancy in a 22nd-minute lead before Nice pulled level through Marama Vahirua shortly after the restart.

Nancy midfielder Sebastien Puygrenier was shown a red card just past the hour mark but Nice were unable to capitalise and four minutes later, Pablo Correa's men got a 65th-minute winner from Brazilian star Kim.

Platini, who won the Coupe de France as a player with Nancy in 1978, was in the stands watching the game and was delighted for his former club.

"Nancy were a courageous team who played a solid game and proved united the same way they have been throughout the Ligue 1 season," said Platini.

"Both teams were tense in the first half. The final result is good for Nancy. Their 35,000 supporters created a warm atmosphere at the Stade de France.

"Even if this trophy is different from the one I won with Nancy back in my time, I am extremely happy for them."

Nancy won promotion last season after winning the Ligue 2 championship.

Midfielder Frederic Biancalani paid tribute to club president Jacques Rousselot who saved the club from bankruptcy four years ago and is relishing the prospect of playing in the UEFA Cup next year.

"My first thought goes to president Jacques Rousselot," said the player.

"We owe him everything. We were almost bankrupt a few years back but he helped the club survive.

"We showed a lot of generosity and courage during the game. Nancy is like a big happy family.

"And thinking that we will take part to the UEFA Cup next season all together fills me with joy."

In the meantime Nancy, who have already secured Ligue 1 survival, have three matches left to play against Strasbourg, Auxerre and Monaco.