Shaun Rooney was ‘gutted’ to have his St Mirren debut postponed by suspension, but admits his belated debut goal was a ‘nice touch’ to make up for it.
The 28-year-old missed the Saints’ Conference League first leg clash versus Valur due to a suspension picked up while at former club St Johnstone.
15 minutes into the second leg, however, Rooney popped up with a header which set St Mirren on their way to the next round of qualifying.
“Obviously to score on [my] debut was a nice touch,” Rooney said.
“I was gutted to be sitting out last week through suspension but glad to be back with a goal.
“It’s more minutes under the belt so hopefully can keep on going.”
Rooney’s first leg suspension was incurred the last time he targeted group stage football, picking up a red card during St Johnstone’s defeat to LASK Linz in the play-off round three years ago.
The defender is keen to progress further in Europe than he ever has before, admitting the allure of continental football was a key reason for joining the Paisley club.
“That’s why I joined St Mirren, for European success.
“Hopefully we get through to the group stages and keep on going but obviously we take it one tie at a time. We have Brann next and I’m looking forward to it.
“We have home advantage first, so a good atmosphere like Thursday and you never know what happens.”
St Johnstone,St Mirren,Shaun Rooney,Conference League,leg suspension
