MOTHERWELL skipper Keith Lasley admitted his unwanted Europa League hat-trick could cost his club new players.

The Fir Park side were embarrassingly bundled out 3-2 in extra-time by part-time Icelandic minnows Stjarnan as they extended their winless European run to 10 games.

Veteran midfielder Lasley had what is surely the unique 'distinction' of conceding an amazing three penalties in the two legs - all of which were converted by the Reykjavik outfit.

Stjarnan's winner came deep into extra-time and it will cost the cash-strapped Lanarkshire side £350,000 in Uefa prize money and the bumper gate they would have looked forward to had they played Lech Poznan.

The Poles had told Well they would have been looking for around 4,000 tickets for the tie in Scotland.

But far from hiding, the captain admitted after the game that Well should have beaten the tiny Icelandic side, after blowing a two-goal lead at Fir Park and twice going ahead in Iceland. And Lasley is well aware that elimination in the competition could cost Well in the long run.

He said: "I've no doubts going out will mean there's less money to spend.

"If we'd gone through we'd have a good couple of ties, decent crowds, possibility of some TV money and that could maybe allow us to bring in an extra player.

"I know behind the scenes how much it means to the club going forward. So it's disappointing.

"It was a poor night. Over the past few years we've had more good days than bad and this is one of the bad ones.

"Financial constraints will dictate how much we can do, but 99% of the lads are in the team that finished second last season so there's still something in that dressing room that shouldn't be overlooked.

Lasley endured a personal nightmare after his penalty disasters, but although he wasn't happy at the decision to award another spot-kick against him in Reykjavik, he isn't using that as an excuse.

He said: "We felt certain decisions went against us, but it's not about that, we should've been good enough to win the tie.

"I couldn't believe the penalty. You want to contribute to the team in a positive way, but it hasn't worked out that way for me."