ST MIRREN’S man of the moment Connor Ronan says he would have gladly swapped his wonder strike against Hearts to have made the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, but he saw enough from his team’s brave performance to give him encouragement for the rest of the season.

Stephen Robinson’s men fought back from 2-0 down at Tynecastle on Saturday night to draw level, with Ronan’s incredible effort sailing past Craig Gordon from all of 30 yards.

It wasn’t ultimately enough to take the Saints to Hampden though, with Hearts hitting back to win 4-2, and Ronan said his goal was irrelevant after his side were sent crashing out of the tournament.

“It’s disappointing, I would have taken getting to the semi-final over that goal all day long,” Ronan said.

“But it’s always nice to score a goal like that in front of the fans and celebrate with them. It would just have been so much better if it counted for something.

“We were putting on a bit of pressure at that time, we had a couple of corners and a long throw in and it was about keeping the pressure on them. The goal arrived and we just needed to see out the next 10 or 15 minutes to absorb the pressure.

“When they get the third we need to go and chase the game again and with the attacking players they have they’re always going to be dangerous on the counter.

“The first half was a big positive. We were unlucky to be 2-0 down. It took their two goals for us to start playing and then we dominated. Broph (Eamonn Brophy) got the goal and gave us confidence to push on and we finished the half strongly. We never came out for the second half though.

“Maybe we were a bit leggy after all the pressure we put on them. They just seemed to be getting out and we couldn’t take the pressure any longer.”

Despite the setback, Ronan is thoroughly enjoying life at St Mirren on loan from Wolves, and he is keeping an open mind on his future.

“I still have a contract at Wolves,” he said. “I will obviously have a think and a chat with Wolves.

“But I have loved my time here. The fans have taken to me from day one and this has probably been my best spell in football.

“I have had a few loans at different places but this is the one I’ve enjoyed the most so far. Has he a chance of keeping me? Possibly.”