Inverness boss John Hughes was proud of his players for the way they acquitted themselves on their European debut – but bemoaned their failure to heed his set-piece warning.

Caley Thistle produced some good spells of possession, especially early on, and created some decent late chances, but lost 1-0 at home to Romanian side Astra following Constantin Budescu's 24th-minute free-kick.

Hughes had warned his players against allowing dead-ball specialist Budescu chances to shoot, and they paid the price for Ross Draper's sliding foul on Brazilian winger William.

Hughes said: "I'm disappointed about losing the goal, especially the way we lost it.

"They were well warned about Budescu's quality from dead balls and we gave away a cheap free-kick and got punished.

"We dominated the game, but we just needed to be a bit more cutting in the final third and get there quicker.

"But we played against a good side and they got men behind the ball and we just need to move it quick.

"One or two need a bit more fitness and I think it told as the game went on. But I'm very proud of the boys.

"We are still in the tie. I just spoke to their coach, I don't know if he understood me, but he praised our style of football and gave me a look to say 'you are still in the tie'."

Astra coach Marius Sumudica feels his team have a "small advantage" because of the away goal, but warned that his side must be careful in the second leg.

The Romanian added: "It was cold here, but it will be different next week because in my country today it was 37 degrees. I have a question for you – when is it summer here?"