Stephen Gallacher delighted with second-place finish in Dubai

Gallacher came within a putt of forcing a playoff at the 18th

Stephen Gallacher says he will take heart from his second-place finish in the Dubai Desert Classic.

The Scot finished a shot behind winner Rafael Cabrera-Bello, alongside the world number three, Lee Westwood.

Gallacher had the chance to take the tournament to a play-off at the 18th with a 12-foot putt, but refused to dwell on missed opportunities.

"Second place in a tournament like this is good, but it was close but no cigar," he said.

"It was tough today, with cross winds and the greens firming up.

"It was tricky conditions compared to Saturday and I didn't hit the ball off the tee as well as I did."

Spaniard Cabrera-Bello overtook the two Britons on the final day, with a four-under-par 68 for an 18-under total.

The highlight of Gallacher's three-under round was an eagle at the 13th, with the 37-year-old holing a 40-yard putt, while his playing partner Westwood could manage just a birdie from 10 yards.

"The eagle at least gave me a chance for the last few holes," said the Scot who enjoyed four sub-70 rounds.

Gallacher is without a tournament win in eight years, stretching back to his victory at the Dunhill Links Championship in 2004.

And, while disappointed to miss out on the title, the Bathgate golfer is pleased to be operating at the top of the game.

"It was good to play with Lee Westwood the last couple of rounds," he added - revealing that, while his playing partner was from the world's elite, his own equipment left something to be desired.

"My driver broke last week, so I am still playing with a driver this week that is not quite right, so first on the priority list is get a driver that suits me."

Compatriot Scott Jamieson could only improve by one host on the final day to finish a further three shots behind on 14 under, with David Drysdale down the field on seven under despite his 70.

Richie Ramsay finished as he started the day, on three-under, tied with Paul Lawrie - last week's tournament winner finishing with a three-over 75.

Colin Montgomerie ended the tournament five over par, after double-bogeying the 18th at the end of his final-round 76.