St Mirren's on-loan striker Paul McGowan has apologised for gesturing at Kilmarnock's fans after being sent off in their weekend defeat. The Celtic youngster saw red for lashing out off-the-ball at Killie's Manuel Pascali, something that referee Steven McLean spotted.

The 22-year-old then came under fire from the Rugby Park faithful and he knows he is disappointed he issued a one-finger salute in response to their taunts.

"I'd like to say sorry for sticking the finger up, it's not like me but my head had gone. I'm disappointed as I let the team down," explained McGowan.

"I saw a fan making gestures but I'm disappointed I reacted. After being sent off what I did added insult to injury.

"Their player got to me as every time I got the ball he was pulling at me and I reacted. I didn't mean to punch him; I was just trying to get him off me.

"I've never been sent off in my career and I'd like to apologise to the players and the fans. But I'll come back stronger and I've got to learn from it. I know it'll never happen to me again."