Gutted Partick Thistle star Simon Donnelly's apology to team-mates

[statto]

HEARTBROKEN Simon Donnelly last night said sorry to his Partick Thistle mates for the penalty miss that could have thrown them a lifeline against Rangers.

The former Celtic man's spot-kick grief came as the Jags were trailing Rangers 2-0 in their Scottish Cup quarter-final replay at Firhill.

First-half goals from Nacho Novo and Chris Burke had put a weakened Ibrox side ahead at the break.

But just minutes into the second half Donnelly was given the chance to pull one back and put the pressure on. However, he fired his shot wide and that was any chance of a Thistle fight-back gone.

Donnelly, who was substituted soon after, said: "I didn't think the chance to win the game had gone when I missed because it was the start of the second half.

"But you couldn't get a better chance with the penalty and unfortunately I missed it."

Donnelly also hit the woodwork and saw his first-half drive saved by Allan McGregor - even though the in-form keeper knew nothing about it.

He said: "I was very disappointed not to score. We missed a few chances and also the penalty, to make matters worse.

"The boys are pretty disappointed so I'm sorry for missing the penalty but these things happen.

"I thought I'd scored when Allan McGregor saved my shot. He didn't know much about it but I maybe should have scored again after that so I was disappointed.

"We had some good chances and on another day we could have scored some goals.

"If we had taken our chances it could have been different.

"If you look at the ones we missed I don't think we would get those chances again against Rangers."