Fulham boss Jean Tigana refused to blame his strikeforce after they went out of the Uefa Cup at the hands of Hertha Berlin at Loftus Road.

The Cottagers missed a series of chances as they were dumped out of Europe 2-1 on aggregate.

Goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly was the star for the visitors as he kept the home side at bay, even after being injured in an aerial challenge with Steve Marlet in the 77th minute.

The important thing is to get into Europe again and become a bigger club Jean Tigana

And Tigana said: "Their goalkeeper was fantastic as he was during the first game when he saved from Martin Djetou. That shows his experience.

"I asked my players to play wide and cross. We tried to score, but I had only two strikers and that's my problem.

"I'm very disappointed as we had many chances in the first half but were a bit unlucky and missed too many of them. When we have a chance, we have to score.

"I'm sure we should have gone through. It showed we need more experience - and now we know what's needed to play at this high level."

Fulham's European adventure got under way back in July in the Intertoto Cup, but Tigana has no regrets despite the fact the club have played 33 games already this season.

"I don't know if it's possible to qualify through the league, but I'd do the Intertoto again - absolutely," he added.

"The important thing is to get into Europe again and become a bigger club."

Correct result

Hertha coach Huub Stevens was pleased the gamble of leaving the inspired Kiraly on the field paid off.

"It was a risk leaving Kiraly on but there were only 13 minutes to play," he said.

"I think Marlet's challenge was fair, although not a correct one. That happens in soccer.

"Now it will be difficult to have him available for our match on Sunday.

"It was not a good game - but one in which we fought all the time, against a very good team who were at home.

"We had chances and so did Fulham and I think it was the correct result."