Jim Goodwin insisted that devastated Dundee United are already desperate to get back to the European stage next season.
The Tannadice boss men had their appetite whetted by two wonderful games against Rapid Vienna, even though the adventure ended in penalty shoot-out agony.
United let a 2-0 lead on the night slip against the Austrians, then lost 5-4 on spot-kicks after a scoreless extra-time.
But Goodwin – and an appreciative home crowd – only had praise for the efforts of his injury-hit group.
‘Being involved in nights like this gives you a taste of these competitions,’ he said. ‘The players have loved it, although we are so disappointed to go out.
‘We have to take inspiration from what we’ve done and want to work harder than ever to do it again next season.
Jim Goodwin consoles Amar Fatah after his missed penalty in the Tannadice shootout
Dundee United’s players can barely watch as Rapid Vienna celebrate their victory
There’s nowhere to hide for the unfortunate Ama Fatah after his spot-kick miss
‘We can take a lot of confidence from going toe-to-toe with a very good European team, and we could’ve won it. We were 2-0 up at half time but we never thought the tie was over.
‘I have to give my players huge credit because they never allowed their heads to drop at 2-2. When the draw was made, people expected Rapid Vienna to wipe the floor with us.”
United head for Kilmarnock on Sunday in the Premier Sports Cup last 16.
‘I don’t think it will be difficult for us to lift our heads and get going again,’ said Goodwin, who has brought Luca Stephenson back on loan again from Liverpool.
‘But I do have concern about energy levels. This is my first time managing in Europe and I can appreciate how tough it is to balance everything.’
United secured a 2-0 half-time advantage thanks to a header and penalty from striker Max Watters.
Yet half-time alterations by Rapid turned the game in the visitors’ favour.
Janis Antiste’s deflected header off Iurie Iovu dragged Rapid back into contention. And substitute Ercan Kara equalised to tee up extra-time.
It was a tough night for United boss Goodwin but he insisted his team will be back
Dundee United gave everything they had only to lose in the lottery of penalties
United sub Amar Fatah struck the post with the first penalty kick in the shootout and Rapid netted all five.
Zac Sapsford, replaced at the break by Fatah, was added to Goodwin’s growing casualty list.
The Australian, a huge miss in the second period, watched the penalty dramas in crutches.
Goodwin said: ‘Zac took a knock on the ankle when winning the penalty.
‘It was swollen up at half time. We will assess him and hopefully get him available for Sunday.’
Rapid Vienna boss Peter Stoger said: ‘This tie was so close. In the two games maybe we had the better chances, but United played two great games.
