ALLOA goal hero Jon Robertson says his crucial playoff strike against Airdrie was the perfect way to mark his return to the starting lineup.

The midfielder admitted he was devastated to be left on the bench for last Wednesday’s first leg.

But he insisted that he was always confident he would respond with a good display, and his stunning finish levelled the tie.

Robertson told Advertiser Sport: “I was devastated not to have started on Wednesday, as anybody would be, but I was confident coming into the game that I would perform well. We did miss a few chances in the first half and for a while it looked like we might not unlock the door. But sometimes you need a bit of luck, and the goal was one of those where it goes in maybe once in ten. I was delighted to see it go in!”

Alloa went on to win the tie on penalties, and Robertson admitted that he was happy to let his team-mates volunteer to take spot-kicks, with Scott Taggart, Jordan Kirkpatrick, Andy Graham and Calum Waters all successful from 12 yards.

He said: “I used to be the kind of player who would volunteer to take a penalty but my record in training hasn’t been great, and there were other boys who were very confident and putting their names forward. I wasn’t going to stand in their way, and them and big Neil Parry have done the job for us.”

Robertson urged the Wasps to keep their composure in the face of the stern threat posed by playoff final opponents Brechin, and says if they do that they have every chance of playing Championship football next season.

He added: “Brechin have had a good season and our games with them have mostly been tight. It won’t be easy for us to go and play the kind of football we want to play up there. They can mix it up as well so it will be interesting. Both teams will have a go. It will be a tough couple of games but I’m confident we can get through it. It’s all about keeping your composure. There is a massive incentive for both teams to go and perform.”