Saints equipped for European adventure this time, says Kane

St Johnstone’s Armenian experience won’t affect their belief that this can be the Perth club’s most successful European campaign, according to Chris Kane.

But it will serve as a reminder that there is no easing yourself into the competition.

Saints were big favourites to overcome Alashkert two years ago but a combination of the intense heat in the away leg, introducing a few new players into the side and missed chances saw them exit the Europa League early.

Kane, whose goal at Pittodrie got them into the competition that year, is confident that this time they can hit the ground running.

He said: “Obviously you want to win as many games as you can, and get as far as you can in the competition. But we know it will be hard.

“The teams you come up against are always tough opposition. The manager and his staff will study the teams and we should be confident going into the games.

“I came on for the last 15 minutes away from home against Alashkert and then at home played 90 minutes.

“We had loads of chances and created a lot. It was a bad result for us and it was a game that we were looking to get through from. We’ll not want to repeat a night like that so I’m sure all the boys will be looking forward to the first game.”

Meanwhile, St Johnstone duo Alan Mannus and Paul Paton have been selected for Northern Ireland’s double-header against New Zealand and Azerbaijan.