St Johnstone exit spoils Brad McKay's scoring debut

McKay joined St Johnstone this summer

Brad McKay says he has been left "heartbroken" after his home debut goal was not enough to stop St Johnstone losing in Europa League qualifying.

The former Hearts defender's curled drive gave Saints a 2-1 win on the night against Alashkert, but it was the Armenians who progressed on away goals.

"It's heartbreaking, putting so much effort into it and the travelling as well," said the 22-year-old.

"I wish it had been the one that put us through, but it wasn't to be."

Michael O'Halloran had put Saints level by scoring before the break in Perth, but Alashkert equalised through Norayr Gyozalyan despite having Karen Muradyan sent off minutes earlier.

McKay's 87th-minute winner was not enough to prevent the Saints missing out on a trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty in the second qualifying round.

Norayr Gyozalyan chipped in with Alashkert's all-important away goal at McDiarmid Park

"That spoils it," he told the club website. "We had a bit of pressure after that, but it just wouldn't fall to anyone at the end.

"We are desperately disappointed. With them going down to 10 men, you would think we go at least to extra-time."

Immediately after the game, manager Tommy Wright was critical of his side's defending after losing his two centre-halfs to injury.

McKay, who was one of the replacements, added: "We made it difficult for ourselves by conceding a sloppy goal.

"There's no hiding behind that - we shouldn't concede a goal like that.

"It was just a long ball up the park and we have not dealt with it."