Of course, it was a great opportunity that slipped though our fingers on Thursday. It is unlikely that we'll be presented with such a chance to reach such a stage for many years and the regrets will last for some time.
The failings were not hard to identify. Our young and inexperienced strike force could not find the composure needed to take any the decent goal scoring chances that were created. A snatched shot, a weak header, a penalty off target and a shot into the side net spring to mind as we look back on what might have been a glorious night at Fir Park.
We are not alone in thinking of what might have been. Dundee United and Celtic are also nursing their damaged pride after departing the Europa League in less than glamorous circumstances.
However, rather than being overly-critical of the players and management we should be proud of them for their efforts, not just in Europe this season in getting us there last term. If we can play to our best there is no reason we cannot be in contention again and who knows, maybe this year we may even manage to challenge for once in a domestic cup after some moderate achievement on the European level!
