Liam Rosenior says Hull City's brief adventure in the Europa League won't be their final taste of high-stakes football.
After the club waited 110 years to taste the heights of a European tour, the Tigers were undone by an away goal from Belgian minnows KSC Lokeren on Thursday, putting in a below-par performance despite sealing a 2-1 win on the night.
It's the manner of the aggregate defeat which Rosenior is hoping to put right tomorrow lunchtime at Aston Villa – but he is adamant bright days still lie ahead for Steve Bruce's men.
"Everyone is gutted that it didn't happen, especially the manner of how we went out on away goals," Rosenior admitted.
"But for all that disappointment, I am sure the direction the club is heading in will mean there are many, many more nights like this in the future.
"We will get European football back here in the future. I honestly believe that."
Rosenior was 'devastated' in the aftermath of the Europa League exit, but as a professional of vast experience, he's hoping to draw on the positives gained from the teaser of European football.
Entering his fourth full season at the Tigers, Rosenior has seen progression which he believes can only keep the club hungry for more success.
Pouring praise on the players and the owners, the 30-year-old is desperate to see City play European football again in the near future.
He's also hopeful Lady Luck will shine on his side eventually after the 10-man Tigers were left baffled by several key decisions against Lokeren at the KC Stadium – namely Yannick Sagbo's red card.
"I would say devastating is the best way of summing up the night," said a distraught Rosenior.
"We were all desperate to get through to the group stages.
"But just look at how the club has grown in a short space of time and the additions that the manager continues to make, we will keep going forward.
"Same for the owners. They will keep driving us forward and I am sure, in the future, that there will be many, many days when the fans can look forward to European games.
"A few decisions went against us and, in the end, they proved crucial.
"We were in a perfect position to push on and felt really comfortable in the game. Once Robbie put us in front again with the penalty, I felt sure we would go on and win . With 11 men, it would have been different."
Now City need 11 men to do the business tomorrow in the Midlands if they're to return to East Yorkshire with a second Premier League win.
The Tigers will have to be at their clinical best to break down a stern Villa defence, having not conceded a goal so far in the 2014-15 campaign.
But Rosenior knows the spirit in the City camp isn't dampened.
"Knowing that (with eleven men) just adds to the frustration, as does the handball at the end. Nikica Jelavic was certain their man handled the ball as it was going in. He said it was clear as day," Rosenior added.
"That showed that the lads kept going to the end but it was still disappointing to hear the final whistle and realise we were out."
