Steve Lomas: 'Lots of positives' for St Johnstone to take from Euro exit

Steve Lomas was left to rue his side's missed chances as they exited the Europa League.SNS Group

Steve Lomas refused to be too downbeat about St Johnstone’s Europa League exit, saying there were plenty positives to take forward into the new season.

A goal ten minutes before half-time from Gregory Tade had given the Saints hope of overturning their 2-0 first leg deficit against Eskisehirspor, having headed in Callum Davidson’s cross.

Fellow summer signing Nigel Hasselbaink then had a golden chance to level the tie from 12 yards, only for the Dutchman to see his shot from 12 yards parried by keeper Ruud Boffin.

Veysel Sari then put the game beyond the hosts with a crucial away goal, turning in Diomansy Kamara’s cross to set up a third qualifying round tie with Olympique Marseille.

St Johnstone meanwhile must now turn their attentions to their SPL opener at Hearts on August 4 and Lomas says the experience of taking on the Turks will stand his side in good stead.

"We looked fitter and were coming on stronger," he said. "Over the two legs we have probably had the better chances.

"That's all credit to the lads. It was two deflected goals out there.

"That's the small margins in football - when you play against the better teams you have to take your chances.

"Effectively once the away goal went in, it was done. But that will hold us in good stead for the season, two competitive games.

"Make no bones about it, they are reputedly a 30million euro budget and they looked very nervous on their bench when Nigel had that chance.

"But we let them get the away goal. We always knew that could happen but off our set play, that's the disappointing thing. But overall… lots of positives."

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