Stephen Robinson ‘proud’ of St Mirren display on European return

Stephen Robinson heaped praise on his St Mirren side for the way they handled their first European tie in 37 years after they created a host of opportunities in an entertaining 0-0 draw with Valur in Iceland.

The manager had challenged his side to ensure they returned from Reykjavik still in with a chance of progressing from their Europa Conference League second qualifying-round tie in the second leg in Paisley next Thursday.

In that regard, it was mission accomplished for Robinson as his side took the game to their hosts for long periods of a wide-open contest full of goalmouth incident at both ends.

“It was our first game in Europe in a long, long time and the boys did the club proud,” the Buddies manager told BBC Scotland.

“We wanted to be in the tie going back to Paisley and we are certainly right in it.

“It’s our first real game of the season and their chances came from our slack passing, just tired minds, while I thought our chances came from really good play.”

While both sides had several chances to score, St Mirren arguably had the best of them before Valur were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when Aron Johansson was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity after he fouled substitute Jonah Ayunga.

“We should have scored, but we didn’t,” added Robinson. “The boys are getting into the right positions, so it’s hard to be critical.

“Overall, I’m pleased. You won’t see many more exciting 0-0 draws. If it was 7-3, I don’t think anyone could have complained.”